Chapter 1361 August Red House
1987 coincides with the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Republic.
On August 1, as a gift film, the TV series "Wulong Mountain Bandit Suppression" was broadcast in prime time on the national television station in mainland China.
This TV series tells the story of our army wiping out the remaining bandits in western Hunan during a special period and restoring a peaceful world to the people.
But somewhat unexpectedly, after the TV series was broadcast, what was remembered by mainland audiences was not the positive hero who suppressed bandits, but Shen Junyi, who played the role of the bandit leader "Dragon Mountain Leopard".
In addition, there was an anti-war film "The Battle of Taierzhuang" released at the same time. Because it accurately and truthfully reflected the cruel history of the anti-war period, it awakened the common memory of Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and the three places, and also received unprecedented attention.
When this movie premiered in Hong Kong, it attracted tens of thousands of people to watch it and grossed HK$1.7 million at the box office in four days.
Although this figure cannot be compared with a purely commercial film, as a mainstream film produced in the mainland, it is already a good box office work. At least it can earn back the shooting cost by relying on the box office in Hong Kong City.
In particular, this film has done a great job in promoting cross-strait communication.
At the same time, on August 3, at the invitation and arrangement of Ning Weimin, the crew of the 1987 version of "A Dream of Red Mansions" totaled 27 people. Under the leadership of the group leaders Dai Linfeng and Ruan Ruolin, they finally Fly to Tokyo, Japan.
According to the plan, the crew of "Dream of Red Mansions" will carry out cultural exchange activities for about 12 days in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka from now on, as well as promotional activities related to the TV series.
The significance of this matter is equally important and cannot be underestimated.
(Seventeen members of the "Dream of Red Mansions" crew visited Hong Kong in May 1985)
You know, unlike three months ago, the crew of "Dream of Red Mansions" visited Hong Kong at the invitation of ATV. This time The crew members actually went abroad.
And it was larger than when they went to Hong Kong City, with ten more members.
Prior to this, the only people sent abroad from the mainland for relevant cultural exchanges were workers in the film industry.
The creators of TV series like the crew of "Dream of Red Mansions" have never had such an opportunity to go abroad.
This is completely the first of its kind, and it undoubtedly means that the mainland TV drama industry has begun to gain a certain cultural influence overseas, which is enough to go down in history.
If we take into account the considerable cultural gap between the two countries, "Dream of Red Mansions" was broadcast in the morning drama period of TBS TV station and still achieved an astonishing 18% ratings.
Then their collective visit to Japan can be regarded as a landmark event and a good start for mainland TV dramas to successfully establish themselves overseas.
Therefore, Ning Weimin took this matter very seriously and made a big noise.
On the day of pick-up, not only he and Matsumoto Keiko came to the airport in person, but two senior cadres, Director Akira Okamoto and Director Mitsuru Watanabe of Fog Film Factory, also came with them.
In addition, even Shochiku Pictures and Taurus Palace, two cooperative units with whom they have a good relationship, also came to join in the fun and sent their own artists and representatives.
In terms of media, in addition to TBS TV station and the "Mainichi Shimbun", which are both part of the Tokyo Broadcasting System, they are definitely must-comes.
Ning Weimin also took the initiative to invite the NHK TV station, which was relatively pro-China at this time, and another major newspaper "Sanze Shimbun" affiliated with the Fuji family.
There are also two sports tabloids that were willing to refute the rumors for Matsumoto Keiko.
Putting these media together, there are five or six newspaper reporters with cameras, two anchors, and two cameras waiting for interviews, which is not too shabby.
Ning Weimin even arranged for someone to send flowers to each crew member.
As well as Fog Production's own professional cameramen and directors, they will record all the activities of the "Dream of Red Mansions" crew during their visit to Japan, and will eventually edit it into a documentary.
So when the plane arrived, the passengers on board walked out of Japanese customs.
The crew of "Dream of Red Mansions" received a welcome far beyond their imagination and much warmer than when they visited Hong Kong.
A dedicated person gave each member of the delegation a bouquet of flowers with a cordial and enthusiastic attitude.
The reporters fired at the members of the delegation intensively with long guns and short cannons, and there was a wave of flashes.
Especially Ouyang Fenqiang and Chen Xiaoxu are the focus of the most intensive "firepower".
To be honest, not only the crew members of "Dream of Red Mansions" did not expect that they would receive such a warm welcome. They were flattered by such a large-scale welcoming scene and couldn't help but get excited.
Even those passengers who were on the same plane with them were shocked by such a grand welcome ceremony and interview formation.
It was only at this time that many Japanese passengers on the same flight realized that these Chinese people had a great background. It turned out that they were all famous actors in China.
In this way, unknowingly, it caused a little sensation in the airport terminal.
But it must be said that although the welcome ceremony was not small, it was not as disorderly and chaotic as in the port city.
After all, all media today can be considered our own.
There are no paparazzi reporters who swarm the interviewees without quality, and no one will deliberately "lead a confession" or "stumbling" on the interviewees like Hong Kong reporters do.
And Ning Weimin also invited the crew to the lounge of the airport as soon as possible so that they could be interviewed here to avoid causing trouble to the airport.
So even though the reporters had many questions and interviewed for half an hour, both the media and the crew were very relaxed and happy, and the atmosphere was particularly harmonious and harmonious.
No one felt any discomfort or unhappiness. When they broke up, both parties met in a very friendly way to see each other again.
It can be said that this welcome ceremony was quite successful.
Next, of course, Ning Weimin arranged for everyone to board the Yamato sightseeing tour bus to the hotel where the crew stayed.
The first thing that needs to be explained is that at this time, Ning Weimin was especially not short of money.
In addition to the fact that his properties are making him money day after day and he has accumulated a lot of cash.
The key is that the 15 billion yen that Sagawa Kenichi transferred to him from selling the stocks, and the 30 billion yen that Sumitomo Bank loaned him again, have all been received at this time.
So, Ning Weimin now has as much as 500 million US dollars in wealth at his disposal, and he is fully prepared for the upcoming "Black Monday".
The only thing he regrets is that the current Japanese stock market has not introduced a short-selling mechanism, otherwise it would be a double blessing.
Secondly, Ning Weimin is also a person who has a strong sense of nationality and cares about friendship and friendship.
This time he invited the crew of "Dream of Red Mansions". Although there was no lack of philistine motives, he wanted to take advantage of the big IP of "Dream of Red Mansions" and use the cast and crew to make profits for his own industry and conduct commercial promotions.
But he is also willing to do his best to spread Chinese culture and promote cultural exchanges between the two countries.
He has always believed that in order for the Japanese to truly bow their heads and admit guilt for the crimes they have committed, and to treat the Chinese as their grandsons, it is not enough to rely solely on the transcendence of force and technology.
That can only make them submissive, not convinced.
I want to truly convince the Japanese and admire and fear China from the bottom of my heart.
Then we must crush them all in terms of culture, entertainment, material enjoyment, and economic and trade, and tower over them.
Let them realize that Li Gui is Li Gui and Li Kui is Li Kui. They cannot live without the big tree of China.
As a result, I feel depressed and have to admire you. I have to rely on you.
That is the correct way to completely eliminate their evil thoughts and achieve peace in Asia.
Needless to say, Ning Weimin cannot let the Japanese underestimate his Chinese compatriots, and the dignity they deserve is indispensable.
For this reason, he was not stingy in the reception specifications, just like he received the investor delegation of Tan Gong Restaurant.
Not only did he arrange the crew of "Dream of Red Mansions" at the New Otani Hotel, which has a close relationship with the Republic.
He also paid for 200 meal tickets for the revolving buffet restaurant on the top floor of the hotel and handed them to the group leader to facilitate the crew's meals in the past few days.
In other words, during the few days the crew stayed in Tokyo, even if there were no banquet arrangements, all twenty-seven members of the crew could dine at the restaurant at any time with their tickets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Not only that, Ning Weimin also gave each person a pocket money of 100,000 yen for daily expenses.
Some of the costumes provided by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Cardin for "Crazy Rich Asians" were delivered to the hotel for everyone to choose from.
These two measures were a huge surprise, and they immediately won the hearts of the entire crew.
You know, although for these domestic actors at this time, whether they are going to Hong Kong or going abroad, everyone has "costume management expenses."
But it’s only about 500 yuan.
With the money in hand, the crew members can at most buy a suit in the "Red Capital" in China and have their hair done at the "Silian Barber Shop".
So the reality is that no matter how many people go abroad, these people who go abroad still have no money and can hardly buy or do anything.
The most you can do is wander around on the streets and satisfy your cravings through your eyes, ears and nose.
This was the case in May this year when the crew of "A Dream of Red Mansions" went to Hong Kong City.
Everyone went to the streets to see the bustling night view of the port city. Under the neon lights, they were reluctant to even buy a cup of "Yuanyang" and eat a "pineapple bun".
The tie used by Ouyang Fenqiang was even borrowed from "Li Wan"'s lover.
When the whole group completed their mission and left the port city, they didn’t take anything they bought in the port city with them.
Everyone just did what they could and bought some small things such as sunglasses, lighters, scarves, and socks.
This feeling of loss due to lack of money can only be felt by mainland celebrities in the 1980s.
To be honest, even in this era, it is not easy for actors from mainland China to go to Hong Kong. It is enough to make people around them envious.
But regarding the experience of going to Hong Kong City to promote ATV, the crew members felt that it was not very interesting after they came back.
Not to mention how tired they were from the busy schedule, but the key point was that they didn’t feel like they had learned anything or bought anything good.
It is also because of this that when we came to Japan this time, the whole group had no extravagant expectations of shopping or shopping.
Because everyone knows that things in Japan are more expensive than those in Hong Kong City. Even Hong Kong City can’t afford it, let alone Japan.
Unexpectedly, Ning Weimin would be so generous.
Not only has it arranged such a luxurious and comfortable environment for everyone to settle in, but it has also prepared two such gifts for everyone.
This is definitely a turn of events, a miracle that no one expected at all!
Shouldn’t everyone be cheering for joy?
Who can control this kind of joy from the heart?
Not to mention that all the actors and technical staff were overjoyed, even "Bao Dai Chai" was elated, and everyone almost shouted "long live the show" three times.
Even Ren Dahui, a well-informed production director, did not expect that such a big pie would fall on his head just after arriving in Japan.
He didn't know the exact value of the brand-name clothes that Ning Weimin let them choose freely, but Ren Dahui knew very well that one hundred thousand yen in foreign exchange could be converted into RMB for more than six thousand.
This number is almost the salary of each of them for several years.
After three years of filming "A Dream of Red Mansions", "Jia Baoyu" only received a salary of 2,880 yuan.
Ning Weimin made such a big move, and everyone had a share, which was completely beyond Ren Dahui's cognitive ability.
So even though his mind was stunned by this windfall, he maintained a certain ideal and really didn't dare to reach out.
After exchanging glances with the two group leaders, they all reached a tacit agreement, and then immediately called an emergency stop.
Everyone expressed their gratitude to Ning Weimin for his generous hospitality, but they never dared to make the decision and let the crew members accept it privately.
For no other reason than to be afraid of making mistakes.
As a result, their statement immediately brought the jubilant atmosphere to a standstill, and everyone else was dumbfounded.
But just when everyone thought that the duck they got was about to fly, fortunately, Ning Weimin had already predicted this. He knew what the situation was in the country, and he had already had sufficient reasons to come. cope with this situation.
" Leaders, don't be too busy refusing. I know you have concerns, but I also have a few words from my heart that I want to say to you. First, from an emotional point of view, I We are not outsiders, we are all born under the same red flag. But I have been abroad for a few years and have indeed made some money. So as the convener who invited you here, I have the obligation to take good care of Japan and everyone. The domestic economic disparity is too great. I have no other intention in giving you this money. It is just like entertaining relatives in my hometown. I just hope that everyone can have more convenience in Japan and have more fun with relatives. Is it necessary to be so controversial? "
"Secondly, from a conscience point of view, I should also contribute this money to make the TV series "Dream of Red Mansions" so good and successful. This masterpiece has been adapted into a film and TV show. You all have done a great job. I know a little bit about how our crew worked on the film. It took three years and everyone worked hard on the film without caring about fame and fortune. Lingluo Silk satin played the young lady. She spent all her limited funds on costumes, costumes, and filming, and it was this rigorous creative attitude that made this TV series a classic. With this version of the TV series, there will be no need for others to make it in the future, and it is impossible to make it better than this one."
"So, from the perspective of a Chinese descendant, I Not only am I deeply honored by this TV series, but it is also a great honor to invite you all to Japan this time. I can also obtain continuous financial returns in Japan through the overseas copyright of this TV series. Yu Li, shouldn't I thank you all? Without your efforts, how could I have made money without such a good TV series? So even though I have paid the copyright fee to the TV series production center, I still hope. I can give you some financial thanks. Our country is calling for common prosperity. I am responding to the call. It would be a shame if I didn’t do this. ”
"Finally, I have an honest reason. Because the money is actually a kind of remuneration distributed according to work. To be honest, I invited our crew to come out this time. Even if it is a cultural exchange activity, it actually has a certain commercial aspect. Purpose. Yes, the TV drama production center and I hope to expand the influence of this TV series overseas and further increase the ratings of Japanese audiences through this promotion. But at the same time, I also want to promote related books. You can make money from the sales of goods and products.”
“For example, I arranged for everyone to attend the opening ceremony of two branches of Tan Gong Restaurant, and I also hope to invite several main actors to spend a day to help in Japan. I filmed a few commercials. Everyone is working for me. Is there any reason to use people for nothing? So if you are really embarrassed about accepting the money, we can just sign the labor contract. , clarify the employment relationship. It is always fair to make money, right?"
Ceremony! profit! Affection!
Ning Weimin took full advantage of everything.
And they also came up with specific practical ways to solve the problem.
No one at the scene expected that Ning Weimin would have such eloquence and such character, and they could not help but feel deeply warm and admired him greatly.
As for the two team leaders and the production director, they were speechless at this time.
Especially when there are many crew members looking at them eagerly, it is difficult for them to say "no".
So several leaders met and discussed again, and finally reached a consensus and nodded with tacit understanding.
"Okay, just sign a labor contract. Since you mentioned this, it's hard to refuse kindness, so we have to be respectful and obey orders." Both leaders expressed their stance.
The production director turned to everyone and said, "Please accept the money first, but I have something to say first. No one should be in a hurry to spend it. We will have to hand over part of it when we return to China. The specific amount will be discussed later." OK. That’s it. Let’s all thank Manager Ning.”
In an instant, the atmosphere on the scene changed again, and the sun was shining again and it was full of joy.
“Thank you, Manager Ning!”
All the crew members shouted these five simple words from the bottom of their hearts, making them sound sweet and sweet.
This is not surprising. Although it is impossible for all the money to fall into everyone's own pockets, this is also the optimal result.
It's better than not getting a penny. No one misses Ning Weimin.
Especially Deng Jie, who plays Wang Xifeng, may be born out of nature, or she may not have come out of the role yet.
Perhaps because she just participated in the drama "Two Sons Open a Shop" this year, she and Shen Lin followed Chen Peisi to attend Ning Weimin's wedding.
We have dealt with each other for a long time and are far more familiar with each other than others.
At this time, in front of Ning Weimin, she, the "hot chick," was more open-minded than the others.
He actually said, "Oh, look, take a look. It turns out that we in Rongguo Mansion still have rich relatives. Now we don't have to worry about the shabby household. What does it mean if our house is ransacked? No, I asked Manager Ning Fortunately, we all started shaking again..."
This is just right, a very immersive joke, and it has the final say.
The scene immediately burst into laughter.
Even Ning Weimin was amused.
He could completely feel how close and harmonious the people on the crew were getting along with each other.
I guess this kind of banter was probably commonplace during the three-year filming period.
It’s no wonder that Feng Lazi’s husband will say something like that in the future - “Since there was a crew in the mainland, I haven’t seen a crew that has such a good relationship as yours. It’s so good that I I’m all jealous!”