Chapter 408: Forming Cliques
Early the next morning, the sun shines through the curtains, automatically triggering the passive skill - Three Rods on the Sun.
"Mr. Zhang, do you need me to accompany you for a walk today?"
"No, I have other things to do today."
Wenwen Township is the Tomb of Heroes. Zhang Chen doesn't want to stop eating because of choking. His time now is very precious.
Separating from Wen Yongshan, Zhang Chen rushed to Jiahe.
He went quite early, but Chen Xi went even earlier.
She is full of fighting spirit for the new battlefield.
Halfway through, I received a call from Huang Baiming, which started out as a joke.
"Brother Zhang, is the seafood in Hong Kong still to your taste?"
Zhang Chen could even think of the playful little eyes behind the glasses when the other party said this.
He could only say haha, how else could he reply, praising the freshness and juiciness of the seafood?
Let's get down to the topic quickly. Huang Baiming wants to vote for "Ip Man", and not only "Ip Man", he also wants to vote for "Extreme Career".
Huang's background is in comedy, and Oriental films have also produced many comedies, but things didn't work when it came to the mainland.
To put it bluntly, it still cannot grasp the preferences of mainland audiences.
This time was an opportunity. He wanted to see how mainlanders do comedy.
"I didn't invest much, so don't take it too seriously. We have a steady flow of water. I mainly want to learn from it~"
"Haha, how could it be?"
Learn from experience? It was almost taken out last night.
At this stage, 30 million is a watershed for the performance of Hong Kong films in the mainland market.
Except for some big productions, such as "Seven Swords" and "Myth", few can exceed 30 million.
After hanging up Huang Baiming's call, Lin Jianyue called again not long after.
Pretty much the same situation.
It feels like Hong Kong film companies are looking forward to the mainland market now, but they just can't find a way to achieve high box office.
Mainlanders didn’t like the set they shot themselves.
Ask them to imitate what mainland directors do, but they can't imitate it.
You can only make a living by relying on crime movies every day, how can you not be in a hurry?
"You're finally here. I just have something to ask you~"
Chen Xi saw Zhang Chen and immediately welcomed him into the office.
Zhang Chen was not in a hurry, but asked leisurely: "How is it? Doesn't it feel good to be the leader of a company?"
Chen Xi was not angry: "Well, it's so annoying. I have to deal with the beginning and end of three movies at once. It feels even more annoying than when I was in the mainland~, and many filmmakers are vaguely hostile to us. I'm looking for someone." Things didn’t go well either~”
Zhang Chen quickly comforted: "Don't bother, write down all the uncooperative names in a small notebook, and make a list later..."
I’m not afraid that you will dance happily now, I will make a list for you sooner or later~
"It's to be expected if someone makes trouble, but you have to be careful when no one makes trouble. You see, after Sony acquired Colombia, it was also tripped up in various ways. But as long as we show results, they will become clowns... …”
While he was talking, there was a knock on the door. It was Chen Xi's administrative assistant: "Chairman, boss, this is today's stock price report~"
As a listed company, the assistant will send relevant reports to her every morning.
Putting the report on the table, the assistant left.
Chen Xi picked it up and checked it, and Zhang Chen was curious: "What is our market value now?"
“Nearly 150 million Hong Kong dollars~”
"Oh, what about when we acquired it?"
"About 80 million Hong Kong dollars."
Zhang Chen nodded with satisfaction: "Yes, it has nearly doubled. What does this mean?"
"The capital market is very optimistic about us?"
"Yes, although the media has been scolding us and has been badmouthing us, the stock price will not lie. The market value has nearly doubled, which shows that everyone is very optimistic about Jiahe's short-term performance..."
"Do you want to make the stock price better?" This time it was Chen Xi's turn to play tricks.
"How to operate?"
"It's very simple. Help me determine the main creative lineup of these three movies. As long as the news is announced, it will definitely increase. Do you believe it?"
"I believe~"
“Then hurry up~”
Chen Xi urged angrily, and Zhang Chen was furious, "Hey, who is working for whom?"
Chen Xi was even less angry: "Hey, you also need to understand who I am helping to manage the company~"
"Okay, okay~"
This is not the first time that Chen Xi has refused to give him face as a big boss. He has long been used to it.
"Don't you have any candidates of your own?"
"Yes, but I want to hear yours more."
……
In the Mainland, the names of Zhang Chen and Jiahe have been mentioned repeatedly in the past two days.
After these years of development, mainland movies have already risen, but Hong Kong movies are still a big banner and still have some influence.
Zhang Chen's win over Golden Harvest is considered a landmark event, representing that the mainland film industry has officially surpassed Hong Kong.
People are praising that the film industry finally has a listed company. It is strange that Jiahe is obviously a Hong Kong company, but everyone always regards it as a branch of Xingchen Entertainment.
As Zhang Chen's popularity increased, his reports from the previous two days were also mentioned repeatedly, especially the one about science fiction films.
There are also many people in the circle asking about it.
Fan Xiaopang hasn't been too busy recently, and he doesn't have much social activities.
I had a nice beauty sleep last night and took a shower after waking up.
My skin felt a little dry after taking a shower, and I was about to apply some moisturizing lotion when my phone suddenly rang.
She was a little surprised when she looked at the name on the caller ID. It was Wang Jinghua~
"Sister Hua~"
"Binbin, I heard that the filming of "Painted Skin" has been completed. Is it going well?"
This was just a casual greeting. "Painted Skin" has been completed for half a month, and now you think of caring about it?
But she still replied: "Well, it went very smoothly. Sister Hua, do you have anything to do with me?"
Seeing Fan Xiaopang getting straight to the point, Wang Jinghua stopped beating around the bush: "Do you know about Director Zhang's new movie? I heard it's a science fiction film?"
That's what it was for.
She thought about it and felt that Zhang Chen had said it publicly in the media and there should be nothing that needed to be kept secret. Then she nodded, remembering that the other party couldn't see it, and then said: "I only know that it is a story about robots fighting monsters~"
"Robots fight monsters?"
"Well, that's what he said."
"Has the starring role been decided yet?"
"I am the heroine."
"Congratulations, Binbin, for once again participating in director Zhang's work, which is also the first domestic science fiction film. I believe that after this film, you will directly leave other domestic actresses behind and become the number one sister in the country~"
"Sister Hua, don't be ridiculous, I'm just trying to make ends meet, I'm not as exaggerated as you said~"
Even though he was happy in his heart, Fan Xiaopang remained humble.
"Okay, we are all so familiar, so stop being so modest. Your lips have already reached your cheeks~"
The two of them are old acquaintances, so they are not so polite when talking to each other, and they can make jokes that are not too excessive.
As expected, Fan Xiaopang chuckled: "Sister Hua, you are really, really rude for telling me what you said~"
He was talking, but he couldn't stop laughing.
Wang Jinghua, who was opposite, took the opportunity to say: "Okay, Sister Hua, let me ask you if there are any other roles in this movie. I want to win for my subordinates..."
Wang Jinghua got straight to the point, and Fan Xiaopang smiled and said: "Sister Hua is still so good and knows how to fight for the welfare of her subordinates, but I really don't know. I haven't seen the script yet, and Director Zhang only mentioned it to me..."
Seeing this situation, Wang Jinghua stopped talking nonsense: "It seems that I can only ask Director Zhang, but if Director Zhang asks you for your opinion later, you can also put in a kind word..."
"Definitely~"
The two of them hung up the phone politely. In fact, everyone was talking politely. Fan Xiaopang knew that the other party did not need her kind words, and Wang Jinghua also knew that Fan Xiaopang's kind words were of no use.
Outside the door, there was a knock on the door, and Mu Xiaoguang's voice came: "Binbin, can I come in?"
Fan Xiaopang also finished applying moisturizer and put on his pajamas: "Okay, Brother Guang, come in."
Mu Xiaoguang pushed open the door and walked in, indifferent to the beauty that caught his eye.
"Binbin, I just received a call from Huayi. They are preparing a blockbuster movie "Double J Project" and they want to invite you to audition for the heroine."
""Double J Plan"?"
"Yes~"
Mu Xiaoguang told what he had learned. In a project co-operated by Huayi and Lionsgate, Cheng Long and Jet Li were in the same frame for the first time, and the director was Hollywood director Rob Minkoff...
Fan Xiaopang was really moved when he heard this, but he immediately thought of the relationship between Zhang Chen and Hua Yi. "Forget it, push it for me~"
She didn't know if this was a poison bait used by Hua Yi to drive a wedge between her and Zhang Chen, but regardless of whether it was, she wasn't prepared to swallow it.
"Isn't it a pity? Why don't you call Director Zhang and ask, maybe he doesn't mind?"
Mu Xiaoguang wanted her to take this movie. After all, it was the first movie for the two kung fu superstars Cheng Long and Jet Li to collaborate, and it might also be the last movie.
Fan Xiaopang was also very excited. He picked up and put down the phone in his hand, put it down and picked it up again.
She wanted to call Zhang Chen and ask, but in the end she held back.
"Push it~"
Fan Xiaopang finally made up her mind, even if she went to the audition, she didn't want to cause any misunderstanding to Zhang Chen.
Mu Xiaoguang had no choice but to leave, but before leaving, Fan Xiaopang couldn't help but ask: "Besides me, who else did they invite to audition?"
Mu Xiaoguang turned back: "Many people, almost all famous female celebrities, have received invitations, but the general consensus is that only you, Liu Yifei and Zhang Ziyi have the highest probability of winning..."
Fan Xiaopang nodded and Zhang Ziyi stopped talking. After the Golden Globe Award, she overshadowed Gong Li and became the most famous female star in China. In theory, she has the highest probability of winning.
Check out the 16-9 book bar and see the correct version!
The production company will definitely consider popularity when selecting roles. Zhang Ziyi already has some popularity with the audience, so she is undoubtedly a very suitable candidate.
Next up is Fan Xiaopang. "Eden Lake" sold well in North America. Although it is a niche horror film, it already has a good foundation.
As for Liu Tianxian, it is purely because of his popularity in China.
In terms of international influence, her influence is negligible, but in terms of domestic popularity, her popularity is unmatched.
Fan Xiaopang did not say any words of regret until the end, so Mu Xiaoguang had no choice but to leave.
It's good that he is Fan Binbin's agent, but Fan Binbin basically has the final say on her own business, and there is not much that Mu Xiaoguang can do.
……
At the same time, Zhang Chen was calling Zhao Benshan: "Uncle Benshan, I have a role here that suits you very well. Do you want to make a guest appearance..."
Zhao Benshan had just finished a road show and was tired, but he was still happy to receive a call from Zhang Chen.
"What role?"
"A drug dealer, or a social big brother, almost a similar role~"
Zhang Chen thinks Zhao Benshan's acting skills are good. If he is willing to develop into an actor, he can become an actor like Cui Minzhi, but he doesn't know if he is willing.
It happened that there was a drug dealer character in "Extreme Career", and Zhang Chen felt that if Zhao Benshan joined the cast, the effect would be good.
Zhao Benshan on the other end of the phone was stunned. He first reacted and made sure that Zhang Chen was telling him the truth and was not trying to amuse him. The anger that had just risen disappeared again.
Zhang Chen didn't know it and continued to confuse: "Uncle Benshan, I think you are really suitable. Even though the role is not big, you will definitely be able to perform well. And you haven't played a similar role before, right? It just proves to the people of the whole country." Come on, who said comedians don’t need acting skills..."
Zhang Chen rambled on, but Zhao Benshan did not interrupt him, and listened quietly to what he said, until Zhang Chen was at a loss for words, "Uncle Benshan, I have been talking for a long time, what do you want to say~"
Zhao Benshan then said: "Brother Zhang, if you think of your uncle Benshan for a good role, he will be very happy, but he doesn't like the role you mentioned..."
Well, why does this line sound so familiar?
Zhang Chen wanted to persuade him again, but Zhao Benshan had already hung up the phone because he was busy.
Looking at the busy phone, Zhang Chen curled his lips and said, "If you don't want to act, you won't act. Why are you still angry?"
He was not angry at being rejected by Zhao Benshan. He still had an alternative. He continued to dial another number and the call was connected after a while:
"Hey, Uncle Daoming, I'm Zhang Chen~"
"Ah, Zhang Chen, are you talking about the guest appearance? Lu Yang has already contacted me~"
Director Chen thought that Zhang Chen came to him because he was a guest star in "The Lonely Agent".
In the setting of the "Hurricane" universe, Abu is Lao Chen's apprentice. Abu has his own series of movies "The Lonely Agent" and "The Rescue", and Lao Chen also has his own series "The Sanctioned Agent".
Therefore, in this drama, Lao Chen played by Director Chen and the male protagonist of "Hurricane" played by Liang Jiahui will appear in guest appearances.
After all, it is a spin-off of "Hurricane". If the main character doesn't appear, what else is it called?
Just like "The Terminator", as long as the governor doesn't show up, everything is unorthodox.
"Ah, Uncle Daoming, it's not this thing, it's another thing..."
Three minutes later, Director Chen had a string of questions on his head: "Do you want me to play a drug dealer, or a comedy?"
"Yes~"
Director Chen subconsciously wanted to refuse, "You brat, isn't this nonsense?"
Zhang Chen immediately retorted: "It's not nonsense, Uncle Daoming, you have been acting in serious dramas all your life, and the roles you play are all upright. Why don't you try it, get out of your comfort zone, and play some different roles, such as bad guys? Something like that..."
Director Chen was very angry: "Who said I have never played a bad guy? Wasn't I the bad guy in "Black Hole"?"
Zhang Chen was speechless for a moment and really forgot about this.
But he immediately said: "What about comedy movies? You've never acted in one before, right~"
Now it was Director Chen's turn to be speechless.
I've never acted in a comedy movie before.
Zhang Chen took advantage of the victory and pursued: "Look, your acting career has been finalized. Even if you want to act, no one will ask you to act in a comedy. I am the only one who still thinks of you..."
This guy even kicked his nose in the face~
"Go, go, don't come~, you kid, I don't know you yet. It must be that I can't find another actor, so I think of me. Let me tell you, I don't want what others don't want~"
Chen Daoming suddenly had the idea of joking. Zhang Chen knew that the other party was joking, so he immediately acted shamelessly and followed the stick: "It's not that I can't find someone, I don't want you and Liang Jiahui to be in the same frame again~
The last time you two shared the screen was "Taken", which was your first attempt at an action film. This time you are trying a comedy..."
This statement made Chen Daoming tempted.
He knew that Zhang Chen had always admired Liang Jiahui very highly, and the reason was because of what he looked like in his acting.
He can play a policeman or a drug lord, he can play a serious drama or a comedy.
Moreover, "Red Rose vs. White Rose" and "East and West" are the most difficult nonsensical styles.
In terms of acting skills, Director Chen considers himself to be no worse than Tony Leung Ka Fai, but when it comes to the types of roles he plays, he is indeed a bit narrow.
In terms of performance, he still has some baggage.
He regards himself as an artist, while Liang Jiahui only regards himself as an actor. Of course there will be differences in performance.
Speaking of which, this is also the difference between Hong Kong actors and mainland actors.
In Hong Kong, being an actor is just a profession. It doesn’t have any aura, so naturally it doesn’t have any baggage.
In mainland China, actors have too many extras, which invisibly shackles them.
The more Director Chen thought about it, the stronger the voice in his heart became, and he finally agreed: "Okay, I will take this role. I will send you the script later."
Zhang Chen chuckled over there: "I knew you would definitely accept it, but the script can only be given to you after it arrives on the set. This is a comedy, and I'm afraid that if you get too involved in it, it will have the opposite effect... …”
Director Chen still wanted to refute, but after thinking that comedy does not require understanding the characters so deeply, if it was too deep, he might not be able to laugh, so he gave up.
Three days later, Golden Harvest held another press conference to announce the creative lineup of the three films on the slate.
Media gathered in the audience
Chen Xi stood on the podium and controlled the ppt on the big screen: "According to the company's plans in recent years, we will launch at least three films every year, all in the form of co-productions, to promote the accelerated integration of the mainland and Hong Kong film industries. Here are three films we are about to start shooting this year..."
As Chen Xi pressed the button, the content of the first ppt appeared on the big screen.
["The Lonely Agent", directed by Lu Yang, starring Zhang Jin, An Zhijie, action director Lu Yi'an, supporting actors Chen Guobin, Wu Yijiang, Huang Ziyang, Zhang Yang, Chen Kui'an, Lam Jiadong, special starring Liang Jiahui, Chen Daoming...]
""The Lonely Agent" will be Golden Harvest's key project this year. We are cooperating with Mainland's Star Entertainment to create a spin-off movie in the "Hurricane" universe. We are very optimistic about Zhang Jin and An Zhijie, two rising action stars, and we look forward to their cooperation this time. The collision produced sparks..."
Chen Xi made a brief introduction, but some of the reporters present were already complaining about cooperating with Xingchen Entertainment. Isn't this still Zhang Chen's company? It's equivalent to a left-hand and a right-hand cooperation~
But complaints are complaints, and they can't find fault with them.
Although both companies are owned by Zhang Chen, technically speaking, they are indeed a cooperation between two film companies from the Mainland and Hong Kong.
Others have discovered that the troops used in "Alone" are almost the same as those in the previous "Kowloon Walled City".
Does this mean that Golden Harvest has already won over a group of Hong Kong filmmakers?
The speech continues
"The second movie, "Extreme Job".
This is a comedy film, directed by Wang Jing, starring Tony Leung Jiahui, Gao Yuanyuan, Wu Zhenyu, Li Cansen, Zhang Mo, with special appearances by Twins, Wu Junru, Leslie Cheung, Simon Yam, Alex Kok..."
Another large number of familiar Hong Kong stars, the reporters were finally moved this time.
You must know that not long ago Zhang Chen made a big fuss at the Hong Kong Film Awards and was unanimously denounced by the Hong Kong media. At that time, many Hong Kong filmmakers also stood up to oppose him.
Unexpectedly, just how long had passed before the situation reversed.
Two movies have won over a large number of filmmakers, so what if those who disagree with him will eventually become lonely.
Some people couldn't help but ask: "Director Wang Jing, what prompted you to cooperate with Jiahe?"
Wang Jing still had the same smile on his face: "Of course it's about money. When I make movies, I never take sides. When it comes to art business, I'm from the south to the north. As long as a movie can make money, it's a good movie..."
Wang Jing has always been a very transparent person. You can say that he is shameless and that if he has breasts, he is a mother, but you have to admit that he is indeed capable.
He is the king of bad movies, but he also makes a lot of good ones.
And he can make any type of film, especially comedy.
"The last one is a kung fu movie, "Ip Man", which tells the story of Bruce Lee's master Ip Man. It is directed by Wilson Yip, starring Donnie Yen, On Chi-kit, Gao Yuanyuan, and action director Yuen Woo-ping..."
Without such publicity, no one would know who Ip Man is these days.
Just as the reporters were taking photos, Chen Xi dropped another bomb: "This time the three movies are all jointly invested by four companies: Golden Harvest Films, Media Asia Films, Oriental Films and Star Entertainment. I believe that with the full cooperation of everyone, Next, I will definitely bring you wonderful works, please wait and see..."
Jiahe finally flexed its muscles, not only announcing the film list and main creative lineup, but also showing off.
Golden Harvest, Media Asia and Oriental Film have formed an alliance, an alliance that no one in the film industry can ignore.
Before the three movies are released, no one can do anything to Golden Harvest. After the release, if the box office fails, the alliance will naturally collapse and Golden Harvest will become a lost dog again.
If it blows up, the alliance will continue and even get stronger.
(End of chapter)