Chinese Entertainment

Chapter 130 Scheming
There has always been competition among the three major international film festivals, specifically, for the world premiere rights of films.

It is almost mandatory for the three major European film festivals that films shortlisted for the main competition unit must premiere at their film festivals, which is also one of their main means of attracting media and audiences.

It is also a routine means to maintain the status, fame and influence of each film festival.

As the winner of the Berlin Golden Bear Award and the Academy Award for Best Director, Gu Wei receives invitations from the three major film companies every year.

At this year's 57th Berlin Film Festival, jury chairman Paul Schrader personally called Gu Wei, hoping to invite him to serve as a jury member.

This was the third official invitation from the Berlin Film Festival. Considering the time issue, Gu Wei had no choice but to continue to refuse.

In terms of domestic films this year, "Apple" directed by Li Yu was shortlisted for the main competition unit, and "Fallen Leaves Return to Their Roots" directed by Zhang Yang was shortlisted for the Panorama unit. Shi Nansun and Ning Ying served as judges for the main competition unit.

After the nomination news came out, major directors expressed their congratulations in interviews with reporters.

“I look forward to Director Li Yu winning the award, and congratulations to Fan Binbin for appearing on the red carpet.”

Gu Wei said a few words of congratulations to the reporters, which is also a routine operation in the circle.

...

On the other hand, Fan Binbin made a gorgeous appearance at the film festival in eight different looks over seven days. Related interviews were reported in the circle every day, along with a large number of photos.

At this time, Fan Binbin was looking at the discussions on major domestic forums and was very glad for the choice he made.

You know, after going out for a while, the artists in the circle can get a huge improvement in their status and value.

If you are lucky enough to win a prize, your status will double.

Isn’t this how Zhang Ziyi, Gong Li and other predecessors became famous?

Now that "Apple" has been shortlisted for the main competition unit, this film is also a key step for her to enter the international film scene.

"I want to see Binbin's big performance."

"I heard that the film will be cut later when it is released in China. Damn the system."

"Please give me the original movie, family members."

...

The news that "Apple" was screened in Berlin sparked discussion among netizens.

.........

On the 20th, Gu Wei received a call from Reid on the other side of the ocean, saying that the post-production of the spacecraft had been completed and it could set off for Iceland for filming at any time.

"I'll go over and make some preparations first, and you can leave directly for Iceland at the end of the month."

In the parking lot of Capital Airport, Gu Wei whispered to Liu Yifei who came to see him off.

"Well, then, please be safe on the road, senior. See you at the end of the month."

As the boarding time approached, Liu Yifei said goodbye reluctantly.

Gu Wei nodded when he heard that, took his suitcase and walked to the waiting room alone.

"Director Gu, are we leaving for Hollywood?"

When the reporter who was waiting at the airport saw Gu Wei, he hurried over to ask.

"Well, go over there for the follow-up shooting."

"Director Gu, have a safe trip."

"Thank you."

After saying that, Gu Wei waved to the reporters and walked towards the boarding room.

On that day, the news that Gu Wei appeared at the airport and left for Hollywood was posted online by reporters, along with photos of him entering the airport.

After more than ten hours of flight, the plane landed at Los Angeles Airport on time.

At the airport gate, Gu Wei got on the company car and went straight to the company.

"boss."

"Boss."

Seeing Gu Wei coming in, the front desk staff stood up and greeted him.

The company is getting bigger and bigger, with more employees, and busy people coming and going.

"Boss, this floor has newly arrived equipment, all of which are the most advanced machines available."

After arriving on the fourth floor, Reid introduced Gu Wei.

Looking at the brand new machine in front of him, Gu Wei nodded slightly. At least he had always been working on Warner and Universal's equipment. Now his company had caught up in all aspects except the number of people.

"How is the company's operation recently?"

In the office, Gu Wei took off his coat, put it casually on the sofa, and asked her Reid.

“We have taken on some post-production work for movies, but the number is not large.”

As Reid spoke, he took out the list and handed it to Gu Wei. Gu Wei took it and saw that they were all unknown movies.

On second thought, it makes sense. The big Hollywood companies all have their own studios, so there is really no chance for us to participate in big projects.

"Thirty percent of the post-production special effects for Interstellar will be done in our company, and we will have people in charge."

Gu Wei wanted to take this opportunity to improve the level of the company's technical staff, even if the production was slower.

"In addition, a group of people will come to the company at the end of the month to arrange for them to learn with other employees, especially those new equipment, so that they can make sure they learn how to operate them."

"Okay, boss, I'll make the arrangements."

...

"I came here at this time, but I didn't expect that I still couldn't avoid these PR receptions."

Gu Wei looked at the dozen invitations that Reid brought, feeling a little helpless. He flipped through them casually and found that they were all for the latest popular movies.

The Oscar awards season has begun, and it's time of the year when money is spent lavishly, with a large number of public relations receptions continuing until after the awards ceremony.

The movie "The Departed," which was released in October last year, grossed $10 million worldwide, including $2.89 million in North America.

Compared to the film rights that Warner Bros. bought for US$175 million, and then invested another US$9000 million to invite Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon to star in, this film is undoubtedly a successful one.

Not only did it win at the box office, it was also nominated for four awards at this year's Academy Awards, including Best Director, and is currently very popular.

...

In recent years, the development of Tomorrow's Star Pictures and its cooperation with Warner Bros., Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation can be described as flourishing.

As the boss, Gu Wei was naturally also being watched by other Hollywood companies. In addition, as a winner of the Golden Bear Award and the Oscar for Best Director, he was invited to other film parties as soon as he arrived in Hollywood.

Gu Wei picked a familiar invitation and arrived at the scene on time with Reid.

At the cocktail party, after greeting the heads of Warner, Universal and Columbia, Gu Wei and Reid walked to the other side.

"Gu, welcome to The Departed."

Matt Damon walked up quickly and hugged Gu Wei. This action immediately attracted the attention of many people around.

"Is Leon not here?"

Gu Wei just glanced around and didn't see Leonardo, so he asked with confusion.

"This guy has been very busy lately. He went to the cocktail party for Blood Diamond. You know, the movie Blood Diamond was nominated for the Best Actor at this year's Oscars. Leon will not give up this opportunity."

"Haha, then I wish him good luck."

Gu Wei understood what was going on and said something to Matt Damon.

"I hope so. You should have heard about the Golden Globe Award. No one is too sure about winning this year."

Matt Damon said.

Gu Wei nodded and understood what he said.

This year's 64th Golden Globe Awards came to a close at noon on January 2007, 1, Los Angeles time.

"Babel" defeated "The Departed" to win the Best Drama Film, creating the biggest upset at the Golden Globe Awards.

"Babel", which was completely suppressed by the popularity of "The Departed" beforehand, defeated its opponent at the last moment, which is quite similar to how "Crash" overturned "Brokeback Mountain" at the Oscars.

Since it is generally recognized that the situation at the Oscars is the most chaotic since the 21st century, the choices of major trends have attracted much attention.

"I am very optimistic about this film and it should have a good harvest this year."

Although "The Departed" lost at the Golden Globe Awards, Gu Wei, who knew the result in advance, was not worried at all.

"Thank you."

Matt Damon was very happy to hear this. Any actor would like to be involved in an award-winning movie, and he was no exception.

"Gu, when do we leave for Iceland?"

"Let's do it at the end of the month, after the award ceremony. I don't want to leave early and let Leon miss his favorite award ceremony."

"Haha, Leon is really happy recently. His movie has always been favored by the jury."

Gu Wei chuckled and said, "You can come to Iceland when the time comes. I'll reserve a guest role for you."

"no problem."

Hearing this, Matt Damon nodded in response.

A director of award-winning films is someone that most Hollywood actors would like to make friends with, not to mention that Gu Wei also has a great advantage in the movie box office.

Director Martin Scorsese came up and exchanged a few words. Gu Wei, this year's Oscar judge, is also one of his public relations targets.

To be honest, Gu Wei didn't remember the appearance of most of the celebrity actors who came up to say hello, including those from other film companies.

After a round of greetings, the only thing Gu Wei gained was a lot of business cards in his pocket.

"Director Gu, what a coincidence, I run into you here."

At this time, a sentence in Mandarin caught Gu Wei's attention. He turned around and saw that it was Zhang Ziyi.

"Well, it's quite a coincidence. I didn't expect you to be here too."

Gu Wei said with a wry smile.

"Director Gu, you're joking. Like you, I'm a judge for this year's Oscars."

The other party did not pay attention to Gu Wei's words. Instead, he was a little complacent about being a member of the Academy.

The past few years have been the peak period of Zhang Ziyi's career, and becoming an Oscar judge is something she often talks about.

"Matt, The Departed is great, I think I'm going to vote for this movie."

Zhang Ziyi looked at Matt Damon next to him and said.

"Thank you."

Matt Damon raised his glass and clinked it with hers.

After chatting for a few minutes, Zhang Ziyi found an excuse to leave and asked for a photo before leaving.

Gu Wei understood the other party's little thoughts, but he didn't say it out loud. Everyone should still save face for each other.

After spending more than an hour at the cocktail party, Gu Wei left directly.

……

Reid has been busy these past two days transporting filming equipment to Iceland, and the filming staff have already set off there in advance to set up the various necessary scenes.

"Oh, is that Leonardo?"

"I think so."

"Leon, can I take a picture with you?"

Leonardo's arrival attracted the attention of the company's employees, especially many female employees, who gathered around him.

"Of course, let's go together."

After taking the photo, Leonardo followed the staff to the office.

Along the way, he was looking at everything in the company. Although Leonardo also had his own studio, it was much smaller in scale.

"Boss, Leonardo is here."

The secretary said after knocking on the door, and Gu Wei was a little caught off guard.

"Gu, I came here specially to see you today."

Leonardo, dressed in a black suit, looked very energetic. After hugging Gu Wei, he spoke directly.

"Welcome, Leon."

After a while, the secretary brought steaming coffee. Before leaving, he glanced at Leonardo deliberately, and then left with a satisfied smile.

"Matt said you were busy at a movie reception yesterday, but I didn't expect to see you today."

Gu Wei picked up the coffee, took a sip, and continued talking.

"I'm basically done with it. Now I'm just waiting for the award results."

Leonardo looked full of confidence, and couldn't hide the smile on his lips.

"By the way, didn't Crystal come with you?"

"She will go directly to Iceland and will meet us there."

The two continued chatting. Gu Wei could understand Leonardo's intention of coming here. As a judge of this year's Oscars, Gu Wei was also the person Leonardo needed public relations for. Coming here in person also showed his sincerity.

At noon, Gu Wei invited Leonardo to have a meal at a nearby hotel, and the two left separately after the meal.

The news that Gu Wei and Leonardo appeared in the restaurant could not be concealed from the media, and photos of the two talking and laughing were also sent back to China.

This photo and another one posted by Zhang Ziyi appeared on the websites of major media outlets.

"Another day of envying Director Gu."

"Leonardo, Matt Damon and Zhang Ziyi are all big stars in Hollywood."

"Zhang Ziyi doesn't count."

"It has to be said that Zhang Ziyi is the face of domestic female stars, and she comes into contact with big directors and top stars."

...

(End of this chapter)