Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 867 Can’t calm down
Negotiations with the local authorities require Jiang Lili and others to attend and make a good impression, but it's much simpler to talk to organizations like the Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Writers Association.

Units within the same system across the country can be considered "one family".

When Chen Fan talked to them, it felt like he was at home; he could talk about anything openly.

Early on the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, Ye Yanshan came by car to invite Chen Fan, who came alone and got into the car with him.

As for where to go?
Casual!

Chen Fan looked at the street scene outside the car window, frowned slightly, and said with a smile, "This direction doesn't seem to lead to the Federation of Literary and Art Circles or the Writers' Association, does it?"

Most of the local arts and culture organizations are located in Heping District, and their hotel is also in Heping District. With the train station as the boundary, Heping is to the east and Tiexi is to the west. They should have gone east, but now they are going west.
Ye Yanshan, sitting in the passenger seat, turned around and asked with a hint of curiosity, "Vice Chairman Chen, do you know where our unit is? Although you've been to Shenyang before, it seems you didn't stay long?"

Chen Fan chuckled, "Whenever I go to a new place, I like to look at a map and see where the famous places are. It's all about reading ten thousand books and traveling ten thousand miles."

The Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the Writers' Association, and other similar organizations are all part of our arts and culture system, so I will definitely pay appropriate attention to them.

Ye Yanshan laughed and said, "I have the same habit as you. Whenever I arrive in a new place, I first buy a city map at the station to familiarize myself with the local environment and location."

However, I don't have your ability to know my location just by looking at a map, and to understand the local street layout.

He started by offering a compliment before continuing, "We're not going to the Federation of Literary and Art Circles, nor to the Writers Association, Musicians Association, or Artists Association. I'll keep you in suspense for now. You'll find out soon enough."

Chen Fan raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Alright. I'll leave these hundred-odd pounds of mine to you, just don't sell me off."

Ye Yanshan quickly laughed and said, "I wouldn't dare, otherwise the leaders would tear me apart. Our Liaoning literary and artistic circles are counting on you to give us some guidance."

Chen Fan smiled and said nothing more.

A hint of understanding appeared in his eyes.

It seems the precedent set by Jiangying Studio is about to be repeated here?

The jeep drove slowly along the road, and soon drove out of Heping District and into Tiexi District, where it stopped shortly afterward.

Ye Yanshan turned around and said with a smile, "It's not convenient to drive there, so I'll have to trouble you to walk a bit."

Without saying a word, Chen Fan opened the car door and laughed, "What's the trouble? Everyone has to walk before."

He got out of the car by the roadside, exhaled a few breaths of hot air, turned his head to look around, and suddenly his gaze fixed on the front. Just then, Ye Yanshan also got out of the car, so he pointed in that direction and said, "Is that a movie theater?"

Ye Yanshan's eyes were full of surprise, "You knew that from the map too?"

Chen Fan chuckled and said, "No, it's just that these days, the only places with so many people queuing up are outside football matches and movie theaters."

These days, football matches are really popular, especially in the relatively economically developed Northeast region, where almost every match is packed to capacity.

Unlike later, ... he tui.

Ye Yanshan nodded. "I had heard before that you taught correspondence courses in literature and were able to discover the truth from the smallest details. Seeing you today, I can see that your reputation is well-deserved. I am truly impressed."

He then gestured, "Please come this way. That movie theater is where we're going. Leaders from several units in the arts and culture sector are waiting for you there."

Chen Fan smiled and said, "I dare not accept such an honor. Please."

After saying that, he walked forward.

Ye Yanshan followed half a step behind him and introduced, "This is the Heping Cinema in Tiexi District. In Tiexi, it is as famous as the Tiexi Cinema and the Hongguang Cinema."

The reason we arranged to meet here is because the facilities are relatively good. The cinema not only has a screening room that can accommodate 1400 people, but also a separate lounge for viewers, which is convenient for you and the leaders to meet.

Upon hearing that it was the Peace Cinema, a knowing glint flashed in Chen Fan's eyes.

Speaking of this movie theater, apart from locals, very few people probably know about it.

But when it comes to the other person, not many people don't know him.

That's Zhao Benshan and his Liu Laogen Grand Stage.

In 2001, Zhao Benshan held the "First Zhao Benshan Cup Errenzhuan Grand Prix" here, which revitalized the Heping Cinema and made it an important symbol and base for the rise of Errenzhuan in Northeast China, and promoted the birth of Liu Laogen Grand Stage.

It was here that Xiao Shenyang received a call from Zhao Benshan and successfully became his apprentice, joining the Zhao family troupe.

However, this place was demolished after Xiao Shenyang became his apprentice.

(The Peace Cinema, I don't know how many decades ago it was)

With Ye Yanshan leading the way, the two did not enter through the main entrance of the cinema, but instead went through a side entrance and smoothly entered a lounge through a quiet passage.

In the lounge, about a dozen people were smoking, drinking tea, and most were chatting.

Upon hearing the knock, everyone quieted down and looked towards the door.

Ye Yanshan pushed open the door, walked to the side, and waited for Chen Fan to come in before smiling and saying, "I have successfully brought Vice Chairman Chen here."

Everyone present applauded, welcoming Chen Fan's arrival.

Among them were people he already knew and people he had never met before, but it wasn't Ye Yanshan's turn to introduce them at this point.

A leader from the Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Mr. Liu, who was one rank higher than Vice Chairman Chen, personally introduced him to his new friends: "I met those people the day before yesterday. This is Jiao Fei from the China Artists Association, this is Deng Bo from Liaoning Film Studio, this is Ke Yu from Liaoning Film Studio, and that is so-and-so from the China Musicians Association..."

Liaoning did not have a film association until 81. The Dalian Film Workers Association was established first, and then the Liaoning Film Association was established the following year on the basis of that association.

Therefore, these two comrades from Liaoning Film Studio are now representatives of the local film industry.

Consider neighboring Jilin, which established a film association as early as 1957 and, in 64, collaborated with Changchun Film Studio to create the Hundred Flowers Awards. No wonder Changchun Film Studio thrived while Shenyang, with its superior economic strength and urban status, couldn't even make a ripple.

Chen Fan certainly wouldn't say such a jarring thing. He politely shook hands and greeted the leaders. Strictly speaking, this was the first time he had formally met with so many colleagues in the arts and culture field since being elected vice chairman.

Unlike before, when he was either bragging and joking in Buffett's office, or smoking and drinking tea at home or in someone's office.

Look here again, a circle of sofas are occupied by leaders from several units, all dressed in formal Zhongshan suits, looking very professional.

Then, turning around, he saw Old Liu handing him a cigarette, saying, "Come, come, sit down and chat."

Chen Fan took the cigarette with both hands, and as soon as his buttocks landed on the sofa, Deng Bo from Liaoning Film Studio lit a lighter with a clink and held it to his lips.

Seeing this, he was immediately startled and quickly cupped his hands, saying, "You're too kind."

They're all at the same level. Even if someone needs something from another, there's no need to fawn over them like this.

Deng Bo put away the lighter and laughed, "If it's 'Vice Chairman Chen,' don't expect me to help light your cigarette, but 'Director Chen' is definitely the one I can help with."

Chen Fan raised an eyebrow, somewhat puzzled.

At this moment, Old Liu pointed outside and smiled at Chen Fan, "When you came in just now, did you see what it looked like outside?"

Chen Fan rolled his eyes twice, then nodded slightly. "I see, a lot of people are queuing up, uh... it sounds like some people are making a fuss?"

He was being polite. When he came in, he heard clearly the shouts of "I want a ticket!" and "Buy tickets!" coming one after another. He had been wondering what movie was showing that was so popular.
Speaking of classic films this year, what are some examples?

"Bashan Night Rain"? "The Mysterious Buddha"? Or perhaps "Good Things Take Time" starring Xue Jie?
However, "Bashan Night Rain" was released on New Year's Day, and today is February 21st. There shouldn't be so many people asking for tickets, right?
The last two movies don't seem to have started filming yet. What movies are they?

Just as Chen Fan was racking his brains to remember, Old Liu laughed and said, "That's what's good, it's noisy. Do you know what they're arguing about?"

Chen Fan blinked and shook his head slightly.

Old Liu pointed at him and said seriously, "They all want tickets to the movie 'Monk Comes Down the Mountain' that you directed?"

"The Taoist Priest Comes Down the Mountain"?
Chen Fan's eyes widened instantly.

Oh my god, I've been so busy with my wedding and ancestral worship these past few days that I completely forgot about my movie!
He had finished filming the movie and fled before the Lunar New Year. Director Wu of the Jiangxi Film Studio had reminded him that in order to release the film simultaneously across the country and launch the "second shot" for the Jiangxi Film Studio, the release date was specially set for the first day of the Lunar New Year.

However, I was too busy with other things, running between Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai, and Jiangnan, one thing after another, and for a while I put the movie out of my mind.

He was just trying to recall which classic film from this year it was, but he never expected that it was one he had directed.
Judging from the scene outside the movie theater just now, it's become a hot topic?

Deng Bo, carrying the kettle, personally refilled Chen Fan's teacup with water, saying, "Director Chen, the movie you directed is absolutely brilliant. I won't go into the plot, but it's based on your master's personal experience, a story from a senior figure, so it's definitely top-notch."

Its strength lies in its use of camera angles, audiovisual effects, and fight choreography.

When the copy arrived in Shenyang, before its official release, I went to a movie theater to watch it.

In short, it was truly a profound experience!

He put down the kettle, turned to look at Chen Fan, and said seriously, "Director Chen, with just those few small fry from Jiangying Studio, you were able to make such a good movie. If you can write a script and cooperate with Liaoning Film Studio, I guarantee you, whatever you want, we will provide!"
If you want to photograph stunning mountains and rivers, we can arrange for a helicopter to provide aerial photography for you. If you want to capture grand scenes of thousands of troops, we can contact the military and send a team to assist with the filming.

In short, the final product is definitely better than, if not better than, that from the Jiangying Studio!

Chen Fan blinked. "I haven't even said anything yet, and you're already so eager to reveal your hand?"

Moreover, while Jiangying Studio may be lacking, and even its most skilled cinematographer, Kuang Mingyi, needs improvement, it's not like he's eating your rice. You don't have to belittle him like this.

As soon as Deng Bo finished speaking, Old Liu glared at him, looking rather disappointed.

We had agreed beforehand that we would start by engaging in friendly conversation, and once things were going well, we would then approach them to request scripts and discuss collaborations.

This kid is already the deputy factory director, how come he still can't keep his composure?

Jiangying Film Studio is indeed lacking; compared to its peers nationwide, it's either the worst or among the lowest. But it's still the film studio from Chen Fan's hometown, and they've even collaborated twice. To talk about it like that, don't you have any manners?

After glaring at him, Old Liu immediately pulled Chen Fan aside and said with a smile, "Don't misunderstand, what Xiao Deng means is that if this film were to be made by Liaoning Film Studio, it would definitely be even better."

After saying that, he lightly spat out a mouthful of saliva. How could he say such a thing himself?
He quickly changed his tune and tried to salvage the situation, saying, "What I mean is, Jiangying Studio has already done a great job. With just a few people, they can't even afford a single decent camera. You had to pay out of your own pocket to buy one for them. Under such difficult conditions, they still cooperated with you and made such a good movie. It's really not easy!"

After saying that, the old man couldn't help but wipe his forehead. Goodness, he finally made it all right!
Deng Bo, having regained his senses, immediately echoed Liu Lao's words with a smile, saying, "That's right, that's exactly what I meant. Jiangnan truly deserves to be called a place of outstanding people and resources, capable of nurturing a great talent like Director Chen, as well as hardworking comrades like the employees of Jiangying Studio. It's really not easy."

Chen Fan seized an opportunity and quickly said, "Being recognized by Elder Liu and Deputy Director Deng means that the efforts of the comrades at Jiangying Film Studio have not been in vain."

At this moment, Jiao Fei from the China Artists Association, who was sitting next to him, interjected, "Everyone has seen the hard work of the comrades at Jiangying Studio. Without Jiangying Studio, Director Chen, you certainly wouldn't have been able to make this film on your own."

He paused for a moment, then added, "But, to be honest, the soul of this film is definitely Director Chen. Any other organization can only play a supporting role."

Putting aside other aspects, your use of color and imagery in this film possesses extremely high artistic and aesthetic value. Whether it's the opening aerial shots of the mountains, the long and close-up views, or the fight and war scenes, every single one is a masterpiece and well worth studying by our colleagues in the art world.

No sooner had he finished speaking than a senior member of the Music Association said, "Professionals should speak professionally. Lao Jiao is expressing his approval and appreciation for the art direction in the film, so I will offer my perspective from a musical standpoint..."

For a time, people from the China Artists Association, the China Musicians Association, and Liaoning Film Studio all shared their feelings about the film.

Even members of the Writers' Association shared their perspectives from the viewpoint of the plot.

What should have been a proper meeting suddenly turned into an exchange session.

Chen Fan maintained a smile throughout, glancing at whoever spoke, without interrupting his smoking and tea drinking.

After chatting for a while, Deng Bo looked at Chen Fan and said, "Director Chen, I heard that 'Monk Comes Down the Mountain' is a series with several more parts. Do you think it's possible to entrust one of them to Liaoning Film Studio for filming?"

(End of this chapter)