Hong Kong Entertainment: The King of Kung Fu

The covers of movie magazines these days are basically headshots of female stars.

Take "Silver World", which is very popular in Southeast Asia, as an example.

Early covers almost always featured female Shaw Brothers stars.

Then Lin Qingxia and Lin Fengjiao began to dominate the screen.

Sylvia Chang, Hu Yinmeng, and Hu Huizhong appear occasionally, while the others stand aside.

By the mid-80s, people like Guan Zhilin and Zhong Chuhong began to appear.

If a male star appears on the cover, there is basically only one situation, and that is when a certain movie is released and he appears with a female star.

"Silver World" did not have two male stars on the cover until the 80s.

One is Chen Long because he is popular enough.

One is Fu Sheng, because he died.

As soon as Yang Ye appeared on the cover of the magazine, the sales of the magazine jumped tenfold, which shows its power.

But in fact, it was Yang Ye's exclusive interview that drove sales.

Prior to this, not even Ming Pao had obtained an exclusive interview with him.

No one knows why he would give such great honor to a magazine.

"'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' has already earned enough honors in the West. I will never make another movie just to win awards."

"This time it's no longer about pandering, but about showing off. I hope to shoot something oriental and show it to the world. As for those bizarre fighting scenes, it's my way of showing off the oriental spirit."

"Both "Drunken Master 2" and "Swordsman" have been sold in more than [-] markets. Some markets have achieved zero breakthroughs. For example, we sold "Shaolin Temple" to the Bear Country."

"Our action movies are not the same as those in Hollywood. They call them action movies. Strictly speaking, we call them kung fu movies because Chinese martial arts are unique to us. The close combat in their movies is very boring. The highlight is Car chases, explosions, shootouts and special effects.”

"The story background of the next movie will be moved to modern times. I will do things other than kung fu. I will also do car chases, explosions, gun battles, and special effects. I will make up for all my shortcomings. The location goes beyond Hollywood!”

The thousands-word exclusive interview not only describes the grand premiere of "The Swordsman" in Cannes, explains Yang Ye's film philosophy, but also reveals Yang Ye's bold words to surpass Hollywood in all aspects.

Nowadays, almost everyone in the Hong Kong film industry has a copy of "Film Fortnightly", especially those "new wave" directors, who read this exclusive interview and sighed.

The "new wave" of fart, they are still imitating Western movies, but Yang Ye has directly challenged Hollywood.

No one thinks Yang Ye is arrogant, because he does have the strength.

Although the output of Baiyang Pictures is not high, with its two trump cards, Yang Ye and Chen Long, it has become the largest film company in Asia. In 1978, its box office performance even surpassed some Hollywood giants.

At this point, Yang Ye's film empire has taken shape.

However, if you want to build a dazzling film empire, two trump cards are obviously not enough.

Although Hong Jingbao and Yuan Biao are both powerful, their personal images have some flaws and are not enough to become super aces. Yang Ye is already looking for the right time to play the third ace.

……

After Chen Long read the latest issue of "Film Biweekly" and was silent for a moment, he said to Chen Ziqiang: "Ah Qiang, I have decided."

Chen Ziqiang said: "How do you tell Mr. Yang? What if he thinks you are a traitor?"

Chen Long said: "I won't leave the company, so how can I be a traitor? I don't think he will stop me."

Chen Ziqiang said curiously: "Why did you make a decision after reading this interview?"

Chen Long sighed and said: "Actually, I also know that I have a bright future if I stay in the company, but... two of my three best-selling movies were written by Yang Shao and one was directed by Yang Shao. He helped me establish my martial arts style. His style also taught me Qinggong and distance control, so that I would be less injured during the filming process. I felt like I was a child, and he was my nanny."

Chen Ziqiang asked: "Isn't this bad?"

Chen Long said: "Okay, but I want to go out and have a try."

"You want to prove yourself?"

"Yes!"

"Okay, I'll accompany you to see Mr. Yang."

……

Yang Ye was having dinner with Xu Feng when Chen Long and Chen Ziqiang came.

"Aaron, Aqiang, have you eaten yet?"

Chen Long smiled and said: "Not yet!"

"Xiao Min, go get two bowls of rice."

Zhou Huimin obediently served the meal. Chen Long and Chen Ziqiang sat down at the dining table. Chen Long said, "Why didn't you see Guizi?"

Yang Ye smiled and said: "She went to Japan to participate in a judo competition. I told her not to come back unless she won the championship."

Zhou Huimin brought two bowls of rice, and Chen Long took it, said "thank you", and said: "Guizi's basic skills are already good, and I have studied with you for so long. It shouldn't be difficult to win the championship."

Yang Ye smiled and said: "I didn't know until after the competition that you came to my house to find something to do with me?"

Chen Long didn't answer immediately. After finishing a bowl of rice and drinking half a bowl of soup, he said, "Warner asked me to make a movie."

"Go ahead...are you worried that I will object?"

"Forehead……"

Chen Ziqiang rushed to say: "Along mainly wants to hear your opinion, Mr. Yang."

Yang Ye said: "Warner is one of the largest companies in Hollywood. It would be good for you to go over and see their film industry. Besides, we are actors. Someone pays you to hire us. Why don't you make money? Have a grudge against money? Unless the script is so bad that you can't help it. Look, got a bad reputation.”

Chen Long felt relaxed and said with a smile: "I read the script. It's a story similar to "The Dragon Crossing the River", and I think it's quite suitable."

Yang Ye nodded: "That's fine."

Chen Ziqiang asked: "Master Yang, do you want to help with this?"

Yang Ye shook his head: "No need, since it is a Hollywood project, I won't point fingers."

Chen Long hesitated for a moment and said, "Boss Zou from Jiahe has invested in this movie."

Yang Ye snorted and asked, "Jiahe went to Hollywood to invest in movies?"

Chen Ziqiang explained: "In 72, Shaw Brothers built theaters in London, Vancouver, and San Francisco. Then "The Best Punch in the World" caused a sensation in North America and entered the top ten box office charts. Not to be outdone, Golden Harvest launched Bruce Lee co-produced "Enter the Dragon" with Warner Bros., and also began to invest in theaters in North America. However, Bruce Lee suddenly passed away, and this matter ceased. In the past few years, the movies produced by our company have been very successful. I don't think Golden Harvest can win here. Just find another way and go to North America to make money!" Yang Ye nodded and said: "Jiahe and I just have some business differences, not personal conflicts. The latest "Swordsman" will also be in Jiahe Academy When it is released online, you don’t have to filter it.”

Chen Long showed his face and said, "Then I'll be relieved!"

……

Jiahe Company!

Zou Wenhuai looked at the "Movie Biweekly" on the table with a somewhat lonely look.

He has been in the film industry for decades, and he was once very high-spirited, but compared to a junior like Yang Ye, he is quite inferior.

He Guanchang walked in and said happily: "Brother Wenhuai, Aaron agreed."

Zou Wenhuai's lonely eyes became hot, and he said enthusiastically: "Okay! After signing the contract, we will announce that we will cooperate with Hollywood and invest 6000 million US dollars to shoot six Hollywood blockbusters."

He Guanchang said: "It's a pity that Aaron is not our own actor."

Zou Wenhuai said: "It doesn't matter. Anyway, Baiyang Company won't stop him from taking roles outside. Even if Aaron signs with our company, don't we still have to pay him the money he should pay?"

He Guanchang said: "That's true!"

Zou Wenhuai said: "It sounds a little discouraging. We are cooperating with Hollywood, but Ah Ye is clamoring to surpass Hollywood, but in the end we are one step behind him."

He Guanchang sneered and said: "Young people like to point out the country and inspire people with words. They are like the filth of thousands of households!"

……

Yang Ye's interview caused an uproar in the Hong Kong film industry, but he himself was too lazy to deal with the controversy.

He is very busy!

In addition to going to the company and sitting down after work every day, I squat in the studio to watch the production progress of the Terminator.

I have to say that these old craftsmen are still very capable. With the drawings provided by Yang Ye, they followed the gourd and drew the scoop, and the things they made were very realistic, which made Yang Ye feel at ease.

After work, of course Yang Ye had to go home to accompany Zhao Yazhi and tease Yang Ritian.

Xu Feng was pregnant, so he had to visit her from time to time, running back and forth.

Occasionally, I go on a date with Guan Zhilin, and Zhang Minyi can't be left out in the cold.

It’s so tiring!

Fortunately, Lin Qingxia and Lin Fengjiao returned to Taiwan, and Teresa Teng went to Japan, otherwise they would be too busy.

As for Chen Yulian, after returning from Cannes, she was invited to film.

Ever since the news of Chen Yulian's role as Ren Yingying in "The Swordsman" came out, some people have been waving money to invite her to film.

However, she didn't dare to take part in the drama until the filming of "The Swordsman" was completed.

After returning from Cannes, the company helped her accept two movies, both of which were heroines.

She is busy filming every day now, and Yang Ye has never seen her.

When they were in Cannes, Yang Ye kissed her again. When she and Yang Ye kissed, she couldn't help but was very involved, but then she reiterated: "I have a boyfriend!" and then ran away!

For some reason, Yang Ye thought it was more interesting this way, so he didn't rush to snatch her over.

A wife is not as good as a concubine, and a concubine is not as good as a thief. The feeling of being a cuckold to Ah Fa is very good, so let’s just do it like this for now!
……

Yang Ye carried two bottles of good wine, accompanied by Yuan Heping, and went to his home to visit his father, Yuan Xiaotian.

After serving a few side dishes and pouring the red wine Yang Ye brought back from France, the two of them started drinking with the old man.

Yang Ye took a sip of Bordeaux red wine, chewed two fried peanuts, and said, "Mr. Yuan, you must remember to come to the Hong Kong premiere of "The Swordsman" in two days!"

Yuan Xiaotian chuckled: "Then I will be there on time. I am impatient to wait for this premiere."

After a few people chatted for a while, Yang Ye revealed his intention: "Recently, I have discussed with Big Eye, Aaron, Sanmao, and many other dragon and tiger martial artists, and we are planning to establish a martial arts union. You are the earliest dragon in Hong Kong movies. Tiger Martial Master is also the first martial arts instructor and is highly respected. I believe that the first president of this martial arts union is none other than you."

Yuan Xiaotian had long heard his sons mention this matter. He squinted his triangular eyes and asked, "I heard Big Eye and the others said that your martial arts union protects the interests of the martial arts masters. This is of course very good. But you are the boss of a film company. If you protect the interests of the martial arts masters, isn't it harming your own interests? Why would you do this? "

Yang Ye said: "The job of the Dragon Tiger Martial Arts Master is too dangerous. You may be seriously injured, paralyzed or even die one day. Although the income is decent, there is almost no guarantee. It's okay if you meet a good brother, but you will be hurt if you meet someone with a bad heart. It is also a vain injury, and a vain death.

In the past two years, Dragon Tiger Warriors has launched several strikes, which has greatly affected the film company's labor efficiency. I think it is time to make some changes.Therefore, we hope to organize a martial arts union based on the model of the American Screen Actors Guild to protect the interests of martial arts practitioners. "

Due to the prosperity of Hong Kong Kung Fu movies, the special profession of dragon and tiger martial arts has been created. A large number of children from poor families have joined this industry to do stunts, stand-ins, and supporting roles.

Their safety and livelihood security rely on Chinese tradition and mutual trust.

If you follow a big brother, he will be your lifelong teacher.

It is impossible to buy insurance in this industry. If something goes wrong, the film company will pay up to [-] to [-] yuan, which is a huge amount.

You can only trust your big brother.

So at that time, the Yuan Family Class, the Hong Family Class, the Cheng Family Class, and the Liu Family Class would become the golden names in the martial arts world.

The eldest brothers in these teams are all very good, not short of money, and very loyal.

Big brother asks you to do an action. He knows it is dangerous, but he won't die.You do it for him, you are really injured, your arms and legs are broken, and he takes care of you!

Qian Jiale said in an interview: "Our insurance is Hong Jingbao, because this big brother will take care of us, so we have mutual trust. When the big brother asks us to do it, we will do it, because no martial artist outside dares to do it."

At this time, Hong Kong movies had no technological support and could only use body language, very crude methods, and low-tech things to compete with Hollywood.

If Yang Ye wants to change this, the first step is to establish a martial arts union, order all martial arts masters, and force the film company to make changes.

Like when I was hanging wires in the past, I used very thin steel wires because they were afraid of being worn. They would break easily, and if they fell, they would be dead or disabled.

After the establishment of a trade union, this situation must be eliminated.

The union will specify the size of the wire, below which union members can refuse to use it.

If film companies bully union members, then the lawyers behind the unions will start to exert their force.

Okay, the film company listened to you and used thick steel wire, but it can’t be removed in post-production. What should I do?

Of course, you should go to Yang Ye's special effects company. The charges are fair and they are honest and honest. We guarantee to help you make it look beautiful and have great effects!
This move not only protected the interests of Master Longhu, but also increased Yang Ye's personal prestige, and also attracted orders for his special effects company.

It can be said that it accomplishes multiple things with one stone! (End of chapter)