Full-time actor

Chapter 557 [122] A film that brings together the strongest cast in the Chinese-speaking world!
Friday, July 2005, 11.

Chen Yu, Liu Yifei, and Zhang Yimou's group arrived at the venue of this year's Golden Rooster Film Festival - Sanya, Hainan.

This year's Golden Rooster Awards ceremony was held at the Cultural Exhibition Center.

The movie channel of CCTV-6 will broadcast the entire event live, while the four major domestic portals, NetEase, Sina, Sohu and Tencent, will broadcast the event with pictures and text.

Netizens can interact in the live broadcast room.

This time, the organizer also knew that Chen Yu and his party had specially transferred from Dongying, so they sent an airport pick-up service.

"Are you nominated for any awards this time?"

Zhang Yimou was in the same car with Chen Yu and was asking him questions. He also learned from Zhang Weiping that Chen Yu agreed to star in his new play, but the release date would be the end of next year.

"Nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor!"

"But he should be a runner-up!"

"Best Actor?"

Zhang Yimou smiled and said, "Which film of yours was nominated? How come I don't know what film you were nominated for this year?"

To be honest, Zhang Yimou is quite concerned about Chen Yu. He knows almost all the movies he has acted in. Last year, due to the Olympics, Chen Yu's acting time was delayed for more than half a year, so he had basically no movies released in the first half of this year.

"Initial D, that racing movie!"

"Oh, I see. This movie is quite popular. I was filming A Solo Journey at that time, and I heard about it!"

"It seems like the box office took in over 2 million? 2 million US dollars worldwide, breaking the Japanese box office record?"

Lao Mouzi remembered it, but was a little surprised and said: "I didn't expect that a Hong Kong film could be nominated for the Golden Rooster Award!"

"It's unprecedented. The centenary anniversary is a good opportunity!"

"Yes, then there should be an actor from Hong Kong nominated for the Best Actor award this time!"

Zhang Yimou could guess what the Golden Rooster organizers were doing, not to mention other people who were paying attention to the Golden Rooster nominations. After all, he was the person who had won the most awards in the history of the Golden Rooster, so he certainly understood the Golden Rooster's intention. This time, due to time constraints, Zhang Yimou did not submit "A Solo Journey" for review, and it will have to wait until next year to be shortlisted for the Golden Rooster.

So he was invited by the organizer as an award presenter.

"Then the title of Best Actor should go to Cheng Long!"

Zhang Yimou looked at the shortlist and said, "The Best Picture award should also be given to a Hong Kong film!"

This is all political correctness.

Chen Yu understood it very well, so he really didn't take it to heart.

After chatting with Zhang Yimou all the way, Chen Yu and Liu Yifei finally arrived at the hotel where they were staying. It was already evening. They had a quick bite in the hotel restaurant. When Chen Yu turned on his phone the next morning, he received many messages.

It was a rare occasion that Mei Yanfang also attended the Golden Rooster Awards ceremony.

Chen Yu hasn't seen her for almost half a year. They usually contact each other through phone calls and text messages. She has recovered well after the operation. Although there is a high possibility of recurrence, Mei Gu herself is a person who cannot sit still.

After resting for more than half a year after the operation, I was ready to make a comeback.

He seems to be indifferent to life and death and is willing to fight against others if he refuses to obey.

He called Liu Yifei beside him, and the two of them dressed neatly and walked towards Mei Yanfang's hotel; they were staying in the same hotel, and when they arrived at the door of Mei Yanfang's presidential suite, Chen Yu heard extremely cheerful chatting inside.

"Yu Zai!"

"long time no see!"

Mei Yanfang's assistant opened the door, and the moment she saw Chen Yu, Mei Yanfang couldn't help but walk out and hugged him tightly.

Mei Yanfang has become much thinner, but her temperament has become more androgynous. Chen Yu patted her on the back gently: "Sister Mei, long time no see. I'm so happy to see you like this!"

"Haha, if you survive a disaster, you will have good fortune in the future!"

"This is Yifei, right?"

Mei Yanfang pulled up Liu Yifei who was beside Chen Yu, and Liu Yifei hurriedly called out politely.

"Yu Zai!"

"Brother Yu——"

There were many people sitting in Mei Yanfang's room. When they saw Chen Yu, they all came over to greet him.

Cheng Long and Zhang Guorong were actually there. The three Hong Kong films nominated for this year's Golden Rooster Awards, the crew of "Initial D" and "New Police Story", Liu Weiqiang, Mai Zhaohui, and Wu Yanzu were all sitting there; the only one missing was Stephen Chow.

It’s not that he doesn’t like these people, but Stephen Chow’s personality has become more and more “reclusive” in recent years. He only likes to go to bars and nightclubs, and doesn’t really like the gatherings of people in the circle.

It’s not that he has any grudges against these people. Whether it’s Zhang Guorong, Anita Mui, or Jacky Cheung, they all have a good relationship with him in private.

"Big brother!"

"Brother Guorong, Director Liu..."

Chen Yu hugged everyone one by one. Except for Wu Yanzu, who he was not very familiar with, he had a good relationship with everyone else.

He was the leading actor in "Initial D", not to mention Cheng Long and others.

These people in front of us are almost the "top stars" in the Hong Kong entertainment industry, and most of them will develop in the mainland in the future.

"I heard Big Brother's voice before I even walked in!"

After Chen Yu sat down, he looked at Cheng Long with a smile. Cheng Long waved his hand and said jokingly, "I'm talking about you. Your new movie is going to be a big hit again!"

"Am I so important to my brother?"

"Yes, now wherever I go, people ask me, do you know Heal Chan?"

"Hahaha!"

Everyone in the room laughed, including Zhang Guorong who was standing next to him. He seemed to have walked out of the shadow of depression. Chen Yu could feel that his laughter was from the heart, unlike before when he looked very painful, but his voice seemed a little hoarse.

"Is Brother Guo Rong going to make a comeback?"

Chen Yu asked subconsciously, and Zhang Guorong nodded: "Yes, I have this plan. Seeing that Ah Mei is so inspiring, I have to work hard too!"

"Actually, we were just talking about Leslie and Ah Mei. I want to invite them to appear in my new film!"

Liu Weiqiang was talking on the side, and Chen Yu understood a little: "Director Liu is going to shoot a new movie again?"

"Well, Wen Qiang and Zhao Hui just wrote a script with two characters in it. I feel that they are very suitable for Ah Mei and Leslie..."

"Police, it's my old job!"

"heroic nature!"

Liu Weiqiang smiled at Zhang Guorong, who waved his hand quickly: "I had a drama I promised a friend before, and if I don't start filming, I'll have to come to you. It's already been delayed for 3 years!"

"Hey, think about it. I still have to find Wei Zai. This time I won't be an undercover agent. I'll write two policemen. You two are really suitable!"

Mai Zhaohui was also persuading him, and Chen Yu actually knew which movie it was.

"City of Pain"!
It tells the unknown side of two Hong Kong policemen: one appears to be upright and honest, but secretly kills his wife and her family; the other one falls into depravity because of his girlfriend's suicide.

Not surprisingly, Zhang Guorong plays the latter.

He is indeed suitable for this drama; the role was played by Jin Chengwu in his previous life, but he failed to show the characteristics of this character.

Zhang Guorong is more suitable than him.

"Let's see when I'll finish filming this drama."

"Director Liu and Director Mai, you guys shouldn't be in a hurry to start filming, right?"

Since the two great directors had said so much, it was difficult for Zhang Guorong to refuse directly.

"Just three years ago, I promised my friend..."

Zhang Guorong was talking in Chen Yu's ear. Chen Yu had some impression. He had just been reborn and went to the Internet cafe. He seemed to have seen this report. Zhang Guorong's debut film as a director had not been filmed yet: "Stealing Hearts?"

"You know?" Zhang Guorong smiled happily, as if he had found a confidant. He spoke standard Mandarin.

He is really sincere to others.

"Of course I know. We have been reporting this online for many days!"

"Haha, that's why I haven't started filming yet. A lot of paparazzi have been spreading rumors about my location and casting selection!"

The progress of the work on "Stealing Hearts", the plot outline, and the news of the location selection in Qingdao were indeed widely reported at the time. The Hong Kong media even called Zhang Guorong personally to confirm, which surprised him.

He truly poured all his efforts into this movie, which was also his greatest wish in his previous life.

For this purpose, he also established a production company called "Dream Team" and officially transformed into behind-the-scenes film production!

This is his first planned directorial debut, and the story of the film was conceived by himself. In order to make a splash, he invited the famous writer He Jiping, who wrote "Legend of the New White Snake", "New Dragon Inn", "The Warlords" and "Flying Daggers of Dragon Gate", to join in writing the script. He has actually already set up the cast and crew team.

The reason why the filming was not started in the end was because something went wrong with the investor, Didu Gem Films.

The investment in this drama was nearly 1 million yuan, and the starring actors gathered the most famous actors in mainland China at that time - Ning Jing, Hu Jun, Siqin Gaowa, Chen Daoming, Huang Xiaoming and Jiang Wen.

The crew included art director Ou Dingping, Zhang Shuping, the editing master who collaborated with Zhang Yimou, Jiang Wen and Wang Jiawei, costume director Wada Emi, Michael Galazzo, the music director of "Rick and Morty", and Li Pingbin, the cinematographer of "In the Mood for Love" and "The Sun Also Rises". These elites in the Asian film industry have all worked with Zhang Guorong before and knew his dedication and professionalism. They agreed to join the crew almost without hesitation.

There is also the real director of "Farewell My Concubine", Zhang Jinzhan, who is responsible for assisting Zhang Guorong in his directing work.

The news media reported at the time that this film was intended to compete for the three major awards and an Oscar. Although it was only Zhang Guorong's debut film, the cast was so luxurious that Jiang Wen even claimed to be moved by the lineup.

Investors from Hong Kong wanted to get involved, but were bluntly rejected by Zhang Guorong, which offended the Hong Kong circle.

After all, the investor of this drama, Baoshi Films, is a powerful company. Who would have thought that it would go bankrupt in October 02 and his boss would go to jail.

This boss is actually the real financial backer behind Zhang Guorong and the party involved in the first case of Hua Xia Finance - Shi Xue.

This gentleman is well-known in the entertainment industry. He surpassed the coal bosses and became an absolute legend in the domestic entertainment industry in the new millennium. As soon as Baoshi Pictures was established, it invested heavily in Tiandi Yingxiong to shoot "The Emperor of Han Dynasty", invested in the annual idol drama "Date at the Aquarium", and gave the movies "Lan Yu" and "I Love You" the opportunity to see the light of day.

This is how the legend of the Eight Beauties came about. All the tricks played by the future young actors and actresses are nothing but child's play in front of this girl.

264 billion!
The amount of money involved in Shi Xue’s case in 02.

And involved in money laundering.

This is actually one of the main reasons why Zhang Guorong jumped off the building.

However, these are all old stories. If the drama "Stealing Hearts" had really been filmed, it would definitely be a success, not only in terms of awards but also in terms of box office, because the popularity has always been there.

“So now, are we going to restart this project?”

"Original crew?"

Chen Yu asked calmly.

"Well, write the book first!"

"I have already contacted Teacher He..."

As Zhang Guorong was talking, Chen Yu smiled and said, "Congratulations, it started up smoothly!"

I just don't know if the investment amount has been received?

Although this lineup will definitely attract investment.

But what does an investment of 02 million yuan in 1 mean? To be honest, even Zhang Yimou would be shocked.

Although for Shi Xue, it was indeed a drizzle, he didn't even blink an eye at the 5000 million for "The Emperor of Han Dynasty", in order to make Brother Xiao Ming famous.

Moreover, this person has a very good reputation in the circle. He is very generous to his other half and does not interfere with the script, so the works he produces are very good; he is willing to spend money on his "little partner".

Investors should also consider this kind of large-scale production.

"Thank you!"

"It's mainly about investment. I'll ask Mr. He to finish writing the previous script first!"

"If you need help, I can make a friendly guest appearance or invest some money..."

Chen Yu was not being polite. He was not sure about the leading actor, but the investment was definitely no problem. This kind of drama, even if it was a terrible movie, could still make money in the current environment with overwhelming marketing. No matter how bad it was, could it be worse than "The Promise"?

Although the drama "Stealing Hearts" is commercial, it is actually an art film in essence. It tells the love story of two men and a woman, which takes place in Qingdao in the 40s and 50s.

It's a bit similar to the tone of "In the Mood for Love".

Zhang Guorong obviously wants to copy Wang Jiawei.

With a personality like Zhang Guorong who demands perfection in everything, even if he can't restore it 100%, he can still achieve % or % of the skill.

After all, except for the leading actor, most of the cast members are Wang Jiawei's old acquaintances.

"Brother Yu——"

"Just call me Yuzai!"

"I may have to trouble you for this movie. As for the main actors, the ones who were previously confirmed may not come to act!"

"It's okay, Jiang Wen, I will definitely take you down!"

Chen Yu really wanted to see this guy act in a movie. After he finished filming "The Sun", he had to let him act in a movie for him.

It can be seen that Zhang Guorong really wanted to make this debut film. I don’t know whether it was because of obsession or to repay someone’s kindness... After the two chatted for a while, Chen Yu started reminiscing about the past with Mei Yanfang and Cheng Long again!
At noon, everyone had lunch together before heading towards various rooms.

They have to walk the red carpet of the Golden Rooster Awards in the afternoon, so they must dress up nicely. Chen Yu and Liu Yifei's makeup artists and assistants have already arrived.

"I see you talk a lot with Leslie. Is he going to be a director himself?"

Liu Yifei asked Chen Yu casually, and Chen Yu hummed: "Yes, in fact, it should have been filmed three years ago..."

Chen Yu secretly told Liu Yifei what had happened. As expected, Liu Yifei's expression became very strange. She was of course shocked by this kind of thing.

“Who will invest now?”

"I don't know. There should be no shortage of investors. However, Leslie is a perfectionist. He offended the Hong Kong circle. I guess he can only find Huayi and others!"

"Or find Jiang Zhiqiang..."

There are only a few types. In fact, Zhang Guorong and Anita Mui together should be able to come up with 1 million.

But few people can afford to spend all their money making a movie.

Not everyone is Master Wu.

"So do you want to act? This creative team looks so high-class!"

All of them are top Asian casts.

If Chen Yu really said this, Liu Yifei would be a little moved.

"Just read the script, Leslie will send it to me when the time comes!"

"It shouldn't be that easy. I guess we can only shoot it at the end of next year or the beginning of the year after next!"

Everything depends on the extent of Zhang Guorong's perfectionism. If he is demanding about the script, then there will be no complaints. Although this is a debut work, Zhang Guorong actually served as a tool for investment and actors.

The three people who really led the shooting and directing were director Zhang Jinzhan, photographer Li Pingbin and editor Zhang Shuping.

This is the iron triangle!

To be honest, Chen Yu was interested in "Stealing Hearts" because of these three people; he had worked with the top directors in Hong Kong and mainland China, including Zhang Yimou, Jiang Wen, Wang Jiawei, and Li An.

These three people have participated in a total of 7 films that won awards at the three major film festivals.

It’s absolutely awesome.

Chen Yu and Liu Yifei chatted all the way and soon arrived at the hotel. They began to put on makeup for the Golden Rooster Awards in the evening.

This time Hong Kong has invited so many filmmakers, and it is said that a few from Formosa and Macau have also come, so both the scale and the publicity are unprecedented; the entire network knew a month ago that this year's Golden Rooster is a grand celebration of the 100th anniversary of Chinese cinema.

So many netizens are squatting in front of their computers and TVs, waiting for the award ceremony to begin tonight!
(End of this chapter)