China Entertainment's Standout

Chapter 1036 Leading the Trend, the Absolute Center Position of the Great Directors Alliance

"Boss, Director Zhou is really going to do something big this time."

After leaving the club, on the way to the airport for a scheduled event, Wang Baoqiang's assistant appeared subtly excited.

Among movie fans, there is a widely circulated saying.

In the Chinese film industry, the two weeks have cemented their legendary status.

One of the topics discussed this week is the rising star, the "Grand Commander of Jiangdong," a legendary figure in the Chinese entertainment industry who wields absolute power.

The other one is Stephen Chow, the famous Hong Kong director who was still famous before he became the Grand Marshal!

This is a cinematic legend born from the last golden age of Hong Kong cinema, and also a sentiment shared by the generation born in the 80s and 90s.

The last film directed by Stephen Chow, "The Mermaid," is still in the top ten of the all-time box office charts for Chinese-language films!

Stephen Chow's secret meeting with Wang Baoqiang was not for casual tea and conversation, but to prepare to join forces with China Film Group to restart the "King of Comedy" project, specifically naming Wang Baoqiang to play the male lead.

"Hello, La Dong?"

Wang Baoqiang was flipping through the script in his hand, chatting idly with his agent, when his phone rang.

When the call connected, his simple and honest smile reappeared on his face:

"It's me, Baoqiang. I've already met with Director Zhou, and my schedule is definitely not a problem."

The agent remained silent, only checking Wang Baoqiang's schedule, before speaking after hanging up the phone:

"Boss, why the rush? We need to start filming in August?"

"Okay, sign the contract tomorrow. Adjust your schedule and make sure you have the whole of August free."

"Boss, this..."

The former agent who wore glasses had already gone inside to work on the sewing machine. Currently, the agent in charge of Wang Baoqiang's business is Wang Zhong, a veteran agent with a good reputation in the industry, who is efficient and capable.

"I promised them, so I'll try to cancel those trips in August as much as possible."

Wang Baoqiang said this while flipping through the script, but his expression was not quite right.

"Okay, I'll arrange it."

Wang Zhong glanced at his boss's expression and asked, "Boss, is there a problem with the script?"

"It doesn't feel quite ideal."

Wang Baoqiang frankly stated, "It's completely inferior to 'King of Comedy,' and its brilliance is also far inferior to that of Jiangdong Productions."

Having worked in the film and television industry for so many years and created many classic roles, Wang Baoqiang certainly has his own understanding of the craft.

Baoqiang also wanted to improve.

Due to his physical appearance, there are fewer and fewer suitable roles for him as an actor, and he also has the idea of ​​transitioning to behind-the-scenes work.

Later, when collaborating with Jiang Dong on the "Chinatown" series, he would sit behind the monitor and watch eagerly even when there was no rehearsal, secretly learning Zhou Dudu's directing and filming techniques.

From the perspective of a producer and director, Stephen Chow's script now seems somewhat out of touch with the current market trends and overly flamboyant.

They said they would wrap up filming within forty days and then proceed with post-production at full speed.

It's obvious that these are pre-made dishes prepared for the Spring Festival season.

La Peikang is undoubtedly a formidable figure. First, he secured the spotlight on the sci-fi film trend with "Shanghai Fortress," and then he got Stephen Chow involved.

With China Film Group backing it, "The New King of Comedy" clearly has great potential.

As the comedy trend sparked by "Hello Mr. Billionaire" swept through the entire film and television industry, and everyone in the industry was green with envy as they watched Happy Twist dominate the comedy genre and rake in the profits.

Once you're moved, take action immediately.

China Film Group is not the only company planning and strategizing; at least a dozen film and television companies have initiated comedy film projects in the past few days.

Media outlets have captured photos of a vice president from Sichuan Airlines, Emei Film Studio, and Shanghai Film Group entering and exiting the Jiangdong Building one after another.

Following this, an industry insider who wished to remain anonymous leaked the information to the public.
"Dongwu Pictures will collaborate with Sichuan Airlines, Emei Film Studio, Shanghai Film Group, and Wanda Group to adapt a film based on the true story of the Sichuan Airlines 3U8633 flight crew's successful handling of an emergency. Please refer to official announcements for specific details!"

The industry's attention immediately returned to Jiangdong.

It really is one wave after another.

With Zhou Dudu's "Dying to Survive" dominating the summer box office and Happy Twist's "Hello Mr. Billionaire" continuing its explosive success, another patriotic film produced by Jiangdong Entertainment is about to be greenlit.

"Was this play directed and acted by the Grand Commander himself?"

"Probably not. Governor Zhou is so lazy these days that he doesn't even participate in roadshows. You really expect him to act?"

"Having made so much money, shouldn't you enjoy life?"

"I've seen professional YouTubers explain the Sichuan Airlines incident on Bilibili; it's a complete miracle."

"."

When Bona Film Group's Fatty Yu saw the news about the celebration banquet for "Dying to Survive" and the box office success of "Hello Mr. Billionaire," he felt a tightness in his chest.

Seeing the heated online discussions about the Captain movie made me feel even more disoriented.

As a seasoned veteran in the film and television industry with a high degree of sensitivity, he had already set his sights on this subject matter as early as May of this year, when the incident occurred.

However, the coordination with Sichuan Airlines and Emei Factory was not smooth.

Logically speaking, Bona is considered an industry giant and should have some prestige.

But above them lies the behemoth of Jiangdong.

A person's name, the shadow of a tree.

Some higher-ups directly designated Governor Zhou to take charge, and no matter how much Fatty Yu fawned over him, it was useless.
Mei Yangyang likes Lazy Yangyang, so how could she possibly like Boiling Yangyang?
Ren Zhonglun was the first to find Zhou Yutang, but not the last.

After the news broke, La Peikang also had his own ideas, including Lao Wang from Guangming, who came to the Jiangdong Building that very night.

Even Huo Wenxi of Yinghuang was subtly trying to get information from Liu Shishi.

There are many ways to operate in the film and television industry, including the box office of a movie.

It is both important and unimportant.

Take Jiangdong Entertainment for example. It was only recently launched that people were already scrambling to buy it, guaranteeing a minimum profit. The only question after that was how much they would make.

These companies, which are scrambling to get on board, may not be solely focused on box office revenue sharing.

By linking film and television projects with the stock market for capital operations, they can reap profits.

Dong Ping, the "double-wielder" of Huanxi Media, is undoubtedly a master of this kind of trick.

But right now, the two gunners were practically drooling with envy. With the thought of just getting a glimpse of it, they still called Zhou Yutang.

Unsurprisingly, Zhou Yutang politely declined, saying, "President Dong, the share of this project has indeed been finalized."

"There is ample time."

Dong Ping didn't seem to take it to heart, and just laughed heartily: "I completely understand President Zhou's arrangements."

Your current project is invaluable; if you need anything in the future, please remember me, Old Dong. I can't guarantee anything else, but I'll definitely provide full support!

"Hehe, there might be opportunities for cooperation in the future." "With Mr. Zhou saying that, I feel much more at ease. I'll treat everyone another day, let's get together properly!"

Even though he didn't get on the bus, Dong Ping still exchanged pleasantries politely. Only after hanging up the phone did the smile on his face gradually disappear, and he let out a soft sigh.

He connected Ning Hao, Xu Guangtou, and several big directors in the Hong Kong film industry, forming an alliance of big directors, and even got in touch with Zhang Yimou.

One Zhang Yimou is not enough; the ambitions of the "Double Gun General" do not stop there.

From the very first day he established the Alliance of Great Directors, he set Zhou Dudu as his ultimate goal.

He used all sorts of tricks, both overt and covert, to lure the Grand Commander in!
After all, in China, there is no one more suitable than the Grand Commander of Jiangdong to be the ace of the Great Directors Alliance.

"It's a pity we're not on the same path."

Dong Ping sat in a large leather office chair, looking at the box office success of "Hello Mr. Billionaire" on the front page of the news on the screen, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the mahogany table.

Greedy!

I'm so envious!
Dong Ping was completely convinced.

Zhou Dudu's "Dying to Survive" had only just finished its first half, leaving the audience feeling emo, before announcing its extension key. Now, another comedy film is coming right after to save everyone from their unhappiness.

But it must be said that the results were remarkable.

It practically dominated a whole host of imported blockbusters.

Tears of envy were streaming down his face when his secretary called over the intercom: "President Dong, Director Xu is here."

"Bring him in."

Wearing a polo shirt, Xu Guangtou smiled and walked lightly under the soft light as he pushed open the door and entered the office of the Double Gunner.

He immediately spotted Dong Ping watching "Lost in Thailand" on the projector.
"The combined net profit of the trilogy—'Lost on Journey,' 'Lost in Thailand,' and 'Lost in Hong Kong'—is definitely comparable to that of Mahua FunAge's 'Tomato Universe.'"

"Tell me, why would Governor Zhou give up such a good project?"

Dong Ping picked up two Coiba cigars from the sandalwood cigar box and handed one to Xu Guangtou.

The latter took the cigar, sniffed it, and laughed.
"President Dong, President Zhou has too many cards to play, he doesn't need this one."

"That makes sense, they definitely have a deep-rooted family fortune."

Dong Ping, the Double-Gunner, laughed heartily, a sense of emotion welling up within him.

Xu Guangtou was initially a humble sycophant, but in the end, he gained everything he wanted through his sycophancy.

Because of the "Lost in..." series orchestrated by Governor Zhou, he has already taken a seat at the table of capital.

The Grand Commander had no interest in rehashing old material for future projects, so he sold the entire copyright to Huanxi Media in installments with cash.

The current "Lost in..." series is also Huanxi Media's signature product.

The two of them are gathered here today with a clear goal: to reboot the number one domestic comedy myth, the "Lost in..." series!
With a click, the cigar cutter removed the cap, and a silver blowtorch emitted a blue flame. The two began to puff out clouds of smoke.

"The current economic climate is a bit unfavorable; operating large projects can easily lead to failure."

Dong Ping, the "Double Gunner" of Huanxi Media, has been rooted in the film and television industry for decades. To have reached this level today, he is certainly no ordinary person.

They have unique insights into market trends and how to integrate resources.
"The safest bet is to produce comedy films. If the marketing is done well, we can also make a profit through capital operations."

"Mr. Dong, great minds think alike, haha!"

These words struck a chord with Xu Guangtou.

He also invested in a film this year.

With moderate costs and mediocre results, it was almost a waste of time and effort, but it couldn't compare to the "Lost in..." series, which made him eat until his mouth was greasy.

Dong Ping directly pulled out the project proposal for the fourth installment of the "Lost in..." series.

"I've already contacted several top screenwriters, but the script still needs some revisions. Director Xu, what are your thoughts on the story's background and character settings?"

Xu Guangtou pondered for a moment, then pushed up his glasses and said:

"Among the previous installments of the 'Lost in Thailand' series, the response was the best. By taking the setting of 'Chinatown' as a reference, setting the story abroad, and then incorporating local customs and culture, it became more attractive to the audience."

Dong Ping's eyes lit up: "Great idea! What about the roles? Is Wang Baoqiang in the running?"

"he?"

Xu Guangtou frowned slightly: "Let's forget it. Wang Baoqiang is constantly getting film offers, and he's also taken on a project with China Film Group and Stephen Chow. It'll be difficult to coordinate his schedule."

"let it go."

Dong Ping only mentioned it briefly and didn't insist.
The first two installments of the "Lost in..." series were hailed by audiences as rare high-quality domestic comedies, with the core being the chemistry between Xu Guangtou and Wang Baoqiang.

Unfortunately, during the development of the third installment of Lost in Hong Kong, a disagreement arose over the distribution of profits, leading Wang Baoqiang to withdraw from the project. Xu Guangtou then turned to Enlight Media's top host, Bao Beier, to replace him.

“Bao Beier can’t carry the team. We need to find a new person, preferably Shen Teng.”

"If we bring in some young, attractive celebrities to generate traffic, this scheme will be a success."

The two talked for a long time until dusk fell outside the window, but they did not feel tired at all.

The project itself is secondary now; the main focus is on the capital operations.

Huanxi Media operates differently from other film and television companies in the industry.

Dong Ping, known as "Double Gunner," assembled a "Great Directors Alliance" with the aim of leveraging the reputation of top directors and employing a marketing blitz to stir up the capital market.
“第75届威尼斯国际电影节将于8月29日至9月8日，将于意大利威尼斯利多岛隆重举行！”

"The Venice International Film Festival Organizing Committee has announced the list of films selected for each section of this year's festival, and Chinese directors are reuniting!"

Cao Baoping's work "She Kills" has been shortlisted for the main competition section and is expected to compete for the Golden Lion Award!

"It's a pity that the director's new film 'Shadow' has only been selected for the non-competitive screening section, where it will have its world premiere!"

"Taiwanese Chinese-language film 'Your Face'; Yang Zhengfan's short film 'There' was shortlisted for the Horizons Short Film Competition."
The new film "Jinpa," directed by renowned mainland Chinese director Pema Tseden, has been selected for the Horizons section...

The news sent back to China by the Venice Film Festival has sparked widespread discussion on Chinese social media.

"Venice seems to be a lucky place for Chinese directors; they have won quite a few awards."

"It's a pity that Zhang Yimou didn't make it into the main competition this time. Otherwise, with the two of them, director Cao Baoping, there would have been a double insurance policy, and their chances of winning an award would have been even greater."

"Wasn't the Grand Marshal the winner of last year's Golden Lion Award?"

"The clown's dance became a legend, but judging from the trailers and posters, Cao Baoping's film 'She Kills' looks promising this year."

"Teacher Fan is unreasonable and forcefully beautiful, and her acting skills are also good. She is truly invincible."

"Holy crap, could this be Professor Fan's third international A-list Best Actress award?"

"."

Seeing the comments online, Da Mimi was furious. Gritting her teeth, she opened a fake account and commented:
"Win an award? Don't be ridiculous, friend. Her acting is just so-so. She's three levels below the Venice Film Festival's Best Actress award. I think she shouldn't even bother going to film festivals. She should just save her cash-grabbing 'The Legend of Ba Qing' instead."

She wrote a long essay, spewing out sarcastic remarks, which finally made Yang Mi feel a little better.

Previously, the two kept to themselves, but because of Governor Zhou, things started to turn sour.

The fishpond is not a peaceful place; undercurrents often surge, and the dangers within are beyond the comprehension of outsiders.
(End of this chapter)