yournovel Chapter 44: Premiere
Chapter 44: Premiere
After staying at home for more than half a month, Liu Yu felt like he was about to get moldy.
It's not that the body is moldy, it's that the brain is moldy.
He sleeps until he naturally wakes up every day, eats meals cooked by Zhang Yan, takes walks along the Liuyang River, and plays chess with Liu Jianhui. He lives like a retired senior cadre.
He tried writing a new script for a few days, but he couldn't continue. His mind felt like a lump of paste that he couldn't stir.
Before returning to Beijing, he made an appointment with Director Wei of Hunan TV for dinner.
Director Wei is in his early fifties, with gray hair and wearing gold-rimmed glasses. He speaks slowly and deliberately, but makes decisions with swift and decisive action.
Looking at the table full of red chili oil, Liu Yu felt his stomach protesting; after living in Beijing for several years, his tastes had become less discerning.
"Master Wei, let me raise a glass to you. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule."
Director Wei raised his glass, clinked it against his, took a sip, and put it down.
"Liu Yu, your mom has mentioned it to me several times, saying that your script for 'Soldiers' Sortie' is quite good. Military themes are difficult to film. Are you sure your company can make it well?"
Director Wei's tone was less like a question and more like a reminder.
Liu Yu put down his wine glass and looked intently at Director Wei.
"Director Wei, this script was jointly polished by our company's screenwriting team and director Kang Honglei. It went through five drafts, and I've read every single one. Director Kang directed 'The Passionate Years,' so she has experience with military-themed films. As for the actors, they are all skilled performers. Rest assured, this film will not bring shame to Hunan TV."
Director Wei nodded, picked up a piece of fish mouth, and chewed it slowly, as if savoring what Liu Yu had just said.
"Okay, once the film is finished, it'll air on Hunan TV first. If it does well, then it'll go on satellite TV. That's the rule, you know what I mean." Liu Yu nodded.
He understands.
Hunan Economic Television is a terrestrial channel, covering Hunan Province; satellite television is a satellite channel, covering the whole country.
Testing the waters on terrestrial channels first, and then expanding nationwide if the ratings are good, is a common tactic used by television stations to control risk.
"Thank you, Master Wei."
"Don't thank me, thank your mother." Director Wei laughed. "Your mother has worked at the station for so many years and has never asked me for help before. The first time she's asked is for your sake, so I can't refuse."
Liu Yu raised his glass and offered another toast, this time downing his drink, as did Director Wei.
.....
On the plane back to Beijing, Liu Yu read through the script outline of "The Lone Agent" again.
He had been thinking about this script for a long time. It was based on a Korean movie he had seen in his previous life, starring Won Bin, about a reclusive special forces soldier who single-handedly took on an entire gang to save a little girl.
The action scenes must be brutal, the emotional scenes must be heart-wrenching, and the pace must be fast enough to keep the audience on the edge of their seats every minute.
The company has hired a new director, Diao Yinan, who graduated from the Central Academy of Drama.
When Liu Yu saw his resume, he was stunned. Wasn't this Diao Yinan, the actor who starred in "Black Coal, Thin Ice"?
Black Coal, Thin Ice is a 2014 film that won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.
It was 2004, and Diao Yinan was a young man who had just graduated from the Central Academy of Drama a few years earlier. He had made a few short films and had a little fame in the industry, but he was far from becoming the internationally renowned director he would later become.
Liu Yu asked Zhong Lifang to arrange a meeting with him. They talked for half an hour and Liu Yu felt that this person was thoughtful, not stubborn, and knew how to find a balance between artistic pursuits and market demands.
.....
On December 6th, the premiere of "A World Without Thieves" was held in Beijing.
Liu Yu received an invitation, and Wang Zhonglei even called him personally, speaking as warmly as if he were an old friend he hadn't seen in years.
"Director Liu, you absolutely must come to the premiere. We've reserved the best seat for you."
Liu Yu thought to himself, "I'm not that familiar with you, but since you called me personally, it wouldn't be right not to go."
Huayi Brothers is undoubtedly the leading private enterprise in the film and television industry.
Since Wang Jinghua joined in 2000, Huayi Brothers has had a large number of first- and second-tier actors. Coupled with directors like Feng Xiaogang, its performance has been booming and unparalleled. This has made it incredibly attractive to young actors and newcomers.
Zhang Yan bought Liu Yu the suit last month at the Peace Plaza in Changsha. It was dark blue, made of wool, and had a perfect fit. Wearing it made him look like a completely different person.
Chung Lai-fong wore a black dress, her hair was up, and she wore light makeup, making her look capable and elegant.
Liu Yu was stunned when he saw her. "Sister Zhong, you look so beautiful today."
Zhong Lifang rolled her eyes at him. "Haven't you ever seen me in a formal dress before?"
Liu Yu thought for a moment and realized he had never seen her before. Zhong Lifang always wore a black business suit and had her hair tied in a ponytail at the company, looking like a serious financial director.
The premiere was held at the BJ Exhibition Center Theater.
Even before the car arrived, you could see from afar that the red carpet was packed with reporters and fans, with flashing lights and a cacophony of voices.
The premiere at Huayi Brothers was a star-studded affair, attracting everyone in the industry who had been invited, just like a red carpet event.
Almost all the artists under Huayi Brothers were there, and there were even more reporters, big and small, from official media and internet media, carrying long lenses and short cannons, like a group of hunters waiting for their prey.
As soon as Liu Yu and Zhong Lifang got out of the car, several reporters recognized them, and the flashes from their cameras made Liu Yu's eyes blurry.
He maintained his smile, walked at a moderate pace, and kept his eyes fixed ahead, ignoring the cameras.
...
The person who got out of the car in front was Li Binbin.
She wore a silver dress, her long, wavy hair cascading over her shoulders, and she looked radiant.
Li Binbin is one of the lead actors in "A World Without Thieves," playing the female thief working for Uncle Li. She is the main subject of this interview tonight.
She saw Liu Yu and Zhong Lifang and walked over enthusiastically, her high heels clicking rapidly on the red carpet.
"Director Liu, President Zhong!" She extended her hand, her smile as bright as the sunflowers at the entrance of the Beijing Film Academy.
Liu Yu grasped her hand with just the right amount of pressure. "Sister Bingbing, it's been a long time."
Li Binbin attended the premiere of "A Moment to Remember" last year. At that time, she wasn't as famous yet, and she was cautious in her speech and actions.
Things are different now. Even before "A World Without Thieves" was released, she was already Huayi Brothers' top star, and her whole aura was different; she walked with a confident stride and spoke with a smile.
"I heard that Director Liu just finished filming a movie. When is it scheduled to be released?" Li Binbin asked curiously. Liu Yu thought she was probably just making conversation.
"It's not decided yet. It's been sent to Berlin, we're waiting for news," Liu Yu said evasively.
He doesn't intend to go into details here, not because he can't make it public, but because it's not appropriate to make it public now.
"Hearing Girl" takes the film festival route, unlike the commercial route of "A World Without Thieves".
The three of them walked in together.
As soon as I stepped onto the red carpet, I saw Wang Zhonglei, the young CEO of Huayi, come out to greet me.
Wang Zhonglei was wearing a dark gray suit, with the top button of his shirt undone, making him look several years younger than usual.
He smiled and grabbed Liu Yu's hand, "Director Liu, it's not easy for you to come! Please come inside!"
Wang Zhonglei is the boss in charge of external affairs at Huayi Brothers. He and his brother Wang Zhongjun have a clear division of labor internally. Wang Zhongjun is in charge of content, directing, and creation, while Wang Zhonglei is in charge of capital, business, and connections.
The two brothers, one playing the good cop and the other the bad cop, turned Huayi into the leading private film company.
"Director Liu, the box office success of 'A Moment to Remember' and 'Speed Scandal' is making everyone envious," Wang Zhonglei said as he walked, his tone almost joking. "Next time there's an opportunity, or if you're making a new film, Director Liu, you could consider collaborating with Huayi. Funding and actors are absolutely no problem; just name your terms."
Liu Yu smiled and said, "Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Wang. I will consider it."
He neither agreed nor refused.
In this situation, agreeing is a gesture of respect; the best answer is "I will consider it." Saying it is as good as not saying it at all, even if it sounds like you've said something.
.....
Upon entering the theater, Liu Yu found his seat, in the center of the first row.
The theater was already quite full, with people chatting in small groups, creating a relaxed and lively atmosphere.
Liu Yu glanced around and saw many familiar faces.
Liu Yu walked over and greeted Ge You, "Uncle Ge, it's been a long time."
Ge You looked up and saw him with a beaming smile. "Director Liu, you're here? Have a seat."
Liu Yu didn't sit down, but stood and chatted for a few minutes.
Liu Dehua also shook hands with Liu Yu, saying, "Director Liu, I've seen your film 'A Moment to Remember,' it's very good."
Wang Baoqiang was wearing an ill-fitting suit with a crooked tie, making him look like he had borrowed someone else's clothes.
He walked over to greet Liu Yu, bowed deeply.
"Director Liu, thank you for letting me audition for 'Soldiers Sortie'."
His voice was very sincere, with a rural accent from Hebei.
Liu Yu reached out and helped him up. "Baoqiang, no need to thank me. You were chosen by Director Kang, not me. Just act well; this role suits you."
Wang Baoqiang grinned, revealing a set of slightly crooked teeth.
"Director Liu, I will definitely act well and live up to your trust."
Looking at him, Liu Yu suddenly thought of Wang Baoqiang from his previous life; from Sha Gen in "A World Without Thieves" to Xu Sanduo in "Soldiers Sortie", from "Lost in Thailand" to "Detective Chinatown", from a struggling extra in Beijing to a box office star with billions in revenue.
He walked this path in his past life, and he will walk it again in this life. Some people are destined to make a living this way; there's no stopping them.
Wang Baoqiang is that kind of person. He's not the best actor, nor the most handsome, but he has something that others don't: audience appeal.
When audiences see him, they feel a sense of familiarity and trust. This is talent; it cannot be taught or bought.
Feng Xiaogang also came over to greet him, very warmly. "Director Liu, thank you for your company using Baoqiang. He will give a great performance."
Feng Xiaogang was smiling happily; Wang Baoqiang is currently under his studio.