Chinese Entertainment

Chapter 144 Martial Arts Instructor
It is probably because in recent years, the crews of various blockbuster films have only cared about taking when filming movies, which has damaged the ecological environment in many places in the country.

This led to the General Administration issuing a direct ban, prohibiting film and television drama shooting activities in the core areas of nature reserves, buffer zones, and various local scenic spots.

In other areas, even if it is not banned, it is strictly restricted.

This also forced some crews to withdraw from scenic areas and move back to major film and television cities.

After seeing the news, Gu Wei specially held a meeting for the logistics staff of "Painted Skin", asking them to pay attention to some issues that are expressly prohibited and not to make selective mistakes.

...

After the meeting, Gu Wei met an action actor from Hong Kong Island in the company.

Gu Wei plans to invite him to play the role of "Lizard Spirit" and also work part-time as the film's martial arts instructor.

"Hello, Director Gu, I'm Zhou Zhaolong, an actor from Hong Kong."

This actor, who was born in the Hong Clan, has always played supporting roles. He just finished filming the movie "Flash Point" in the first half of the year, playing the role of "Tony" in the film. He then played the role of the Jade War God in "The Forbidden Kingdom".

"Hello, please sit down.

The work over there is finished."

Gu Wei asked in advance, "Flash Point" is scheduled to be released in August, there is no problem with the time, and the filming of "The Forbidden Kingdom" has not been completed yet. At this time, "Painted Skin" is about to start, so the time still needs to be arranged to avoid missing the release date.

"There is no problem with the time. Director Gu, the scenes for The Forbidden Kingdom have already been completed."

Zhou Zhaolong replied quickly.

As a genuine Hong Kong actor, Zhou Zhaolong went north with the Hung Clan in 03 and starred in many mainland films.

When he received the invitation from the employees of Star Films, he was a little skeptical at first. After all, director Gu Wei had never used Hong Kong actors in these years, and he was the first.

"In addition to the role in the movie, the crew also plans to invite you to serve as the martial arts instructor, responsible for the movie's fight design and other matters."

Wuershan said something at the right time.

"No problem, Director Wu."

Hearing this, Zhou Zhaolong agreed immediately in a very polite tone. Perhaps it was because this villain in the movie was too deeply rooted in people's hearts that Wuershan was a little uncomfortable with it.

In mid-July, all the contracts for the leading actors of Painted Skin had been signed, and the official website officially announced the cast news.

Male lead: Huang Xiaoming.

Female lead: Zhou Xun.

Second male lead: Jiao Enjun.

Female lead: Yuan Quan.

Supporting Actress: Su Chang.

Supporting Actor: Zhou Zhaolong, Chen Minghao.

This announcement confused many people in the circle.

Is this the end?
You should know that many actors are still waiting for Xingchen’s role information and are silently preparing.

Unexpectedly, the other party announced the result directly.

The media are very enthusiastic. The actors chosen are very eye-catching, especially Jiao Enjun and Zhou Zhaolong. The fighting scenes are exciting just to think about.

Combined with Zhou Xun's spiritual acting skills, it's amazing.

Reports came out one after another, and netizens were also discussing the matter, saying that the roles were well chosen and worth looking forward to.

"I admit that Zhou Xun's acting is good, but his figure is a bit lacking."

"In terms of body shape, Binbin is better. After all, fox demons are not so skinny."

""

...

"Congratulations, Quan'er."

In the Central Academy of Drama group, Zeng Li and Hu Jing sent their congratulations after seeing the news.

"Although it's not directed by Director Gu himself, the investment in the film is not small. Act well and it will be beneficial to your future development."

The class teacher Chang Li encouraged him as always, saying that after acting in Gu Wei's movie, future film invitations and pay would increase a lot.

"Take good care of Yuan Quan on the set."

"Don't worry, I'm here for you."

Chen Minghao replied happily that he cherished this opportunity very much.

"Lao Chen, Quan'er, congratulations to you. After I finish filming "Mei Lanfang", I will find some time for you all to get together."

Zhang Ziyi, who was in the crew of "Mei Lanfang", saw everyone in the group chatting enthusiastically and felt a little sour. After thinking for a while, he sent a message.

Everyone else responded politely and the atmosphere was a bit cold, but Mei Ting found a topic and chatted with her for a few words.

Yang Ncifang, who was studying at Beijing Film Academy, looked at the official information of Xingchen and couldn't help feeling lost.

She also submitted her resume, but didn't even get a chance to audition.

Thinking that the male and female protagonists are both from Huayi Company, I can't help but feel discouraged. Compared with big companies, Royalstar is still too small and has almost no resources.

"It seems that I still have to go to a big company."

I thought about these things silently in my mind, as if I had made some kind of resolution.

Su Chang, the third female role this time, was noticed by many actresses before the audition. It was said that she didn't even participate in the audition. People in the circle were all envious. It's good to have nepotism.

If Liu Yifei doesn't act, her best friend can take over.

...

"Are you planning to follow the old path of other directors, with only one actor who graduated from Beijing Film Academy in a movie?"

Compared to the excitement on the Internet, after the movie roles were announced, Xie Xiaojing, who is now the vice president of Beijing Film Academy, called and complained.

"Haha, the male lead is from Beijing Film Academy."

Gu Wei said with a smile on the phone.

"Teacher Cao came to see me these two days. The post-production of the movie your company invested in him last time is almost done. He also wanted to treat you to a meal to thank you in person."

"Forget about the meal. I've read the script and I really thought it was good, so I invested in it. Besides, it's only 1200 million, which isn't too much."

Xie Xiaojing was talking about the script "Li Mi's Conjecture" by school teacher Cao Baoping, who had previously approached Gu Wei for investment.

Zhou Xun is also the lead actor in this movie. It has to be said that there are indeed many directors in China who are optimistic about Zhou Xun's acting skills.

The next morning, Gu Wei was called to a meeting by China Film Group.

The occasion was grand, with Director Tong of the Film Bureau and his deputy Director Zhao attending the meeting together, as well as many leaders from other departments.

The top executives of China Film Group, Shanghai Film Group, Xi'an Film Group and other film studios have all arrived.

All the well-known domestic film companies, both private and state-owned, came, as well as distribution companies, theater companies, film and television investment companies, and various big directors. "The director is here."

When they arrived at the company gate, Ning Hao saw Gu Wei, came up to him and said.

"How's 'Racing' going? Is it going well?"

Seeing Ning Hao, Gu Wei asked about the movie.

"Everything is going well so far, let's go in."

When I arrived at the meeting room, the main leader had not arrived yet.

"Director Gu."

"Here I come, Director Gu."

CEOs and directors of other companies kept standing up and greeting Gu Wei.

After chatting for a few words, a staff member came over and said, "Director Gu, your seat is over here."

The difference in status and identity is reflected here. Gu Wei sat in the third row, next to him were Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige, in front of him were department heads and the heads of several major film directors, and the other directors sat behind them.

"Director Gu."

"Director Chen, Director Zhang."

After greeting the two big directors, Gu Wei sat down.

"Director Gu, I heard that your company imported a batch of the latest equipment."

Before the meeting started, Zhang Yimou started chatting with Gu Wei.

"Well, why did Director Zhang think of asking this?"

Gu Wei was a little confused.

"The dress rehearsal for the Olympics will begin at the end of the year, and we will need Director Gu's company to help with some of the special effects production."

This is also a call from China Film Group and Zhang Yimou. Supporting domestic technological development is everyone's responsibility.

"Okay, Xingchen Films will fully cooperate."

Gu Wei would definitely not hold back on such a major event that would benefit the country and the people, and he agreed immediately.

"Director Zhang, what are the rules for this meeting?"

"I heard that the top leaders have said that we should pay great attention to the development of the film industry."

Hearing this, Gu Wei nodded to show that he understood.

About ten minutes later, all the leaders arrived and the meeting officially began.

On the stage, the relevant person in charge was listing previous data.

In recent years, the domestic film industry has been growing at a rate of 30% per year, but it is still considered a bit slow and can be improved.

"The domestic output value has been increasing in recent years, but apart from a few big directors, there are almost no other hit movies..."

The director directly talked about the theme of the movie and the box office is the key. Some directors take their movies to film festivals, and even if the copyrights sell very well, when they return to China, the box office is not good, and it still does not promote the entire industry.

Because if you are separated from the theaters and cannot make money through the selected channels, you will not develop well, which will form a chain reaction.

After the leader finished speaking, major film and television companies took turns to speak.

"China Film is currently investing in big-budget movies, including CJ7, The Warlords, Red Cliff, Painted Skin and Mei Lanfang..."

Han Sanping held the speech manuscript and kept talking about the company's investment with great enthusiasm.

Later, Shanghai Film Group also reported its current investment, which was only slightly less than that of China Film Group. As for the other film groups, they could only watch helplessly, as there was nothing they could do about the lack of sufficient funds.

"Next, the department will continue to allocate funds and open up policies. Each film group will go to the grassroots and expand the scale of its theater chains..."

"Wanda built a 3D cinema last year and will continue to increase investment and update equipment this year..."

The head of Wanda spoke eloquently and promised how much money he would invest. The leaders on the stage kept nodding with smiles on their faces.

"What a big dog owner."

Several other theater chain managers complained silently in their hearts. After all, they couldn't compare with Wanda in terms of money.

"In addition to the development of domestic films, we must also focus on overseas and promote the country's culture. Gu Wei, in particular, has both fame and funding, and should take the lead in this regard."

A leader called Gu Wei's name, and for a moment everyone looked over there with envy and jealousy, and the expressions on their faces were very interesting.

After the big meeting was over, everyone present dispersed, and Gu Wei, Chen Kaige and Zhang Yimou were left behind.

"The people present here are all industry leaders, each with their own strengths in awards and box office. The future of domestic films still depends on you."

"At present, among all the cultural and artistic industries in the world, none can be compared with movies. For example, Farewell My Concubine, Red Sorghum, and Tuya's Wedding are all movies that have won international awards and have had a huge impact abroad..."

"Director Zhang is currently busy with the Olympics, Director Chen is filming Mei Lanfang, and Director Gu is also producing a Hollywood blockbuster. Everyone should calm down and drive the development of the industry. If you need any support, you can go to China Film Group."

Director Tong told everyone what they were doing and then looked at Han Sanping.

"China Film Association fully supports the works of several big directors."

Han Sanping quickly stated that this was to be shown to the leaders above, so he could not be careless at all.

The meeting lasted for nearly an hour. After it ended, Gu Wei left the meeting room, but he didn't expect that Wang Zhonglei from Huayi was waiting for him at the door.

"Director Gu, is it convenient?"

Gu Wei nodded, and was then invited by Wang Zhonglei to get into the car.

"Thank you Director Gu for choosing Xiao Ming and Zhou Xun to play the male and female protagonists in Painted Skin."

Gu Wei was a little confused. It was just a movie, so why was Wang Zhonglei so polite?

"Boss Wang, just speak frankly."

“Haha, Director Gu is really straightforward, so I’ll just say it.

Huayi Films is currently planning to go public, and many of the company's artists have bought shares. I wonder if Director Gu is interested?"

This was the task assigned to him by Wang Zhongjun, to persuade Gu Wei to subscribe to the company's stocks and increase its influence. After all, the other party was well-known in the investment field.

After listening to this, Gu Wei immediately became interested.

"How much share can Huayi Company give me?"

"Director Gu asked, any amount is fine."

Wang Zhonglei said directly.

Gu Wei raised a finger when he heard this.

"At least 10 million shares. Any less is meaningless."

...

(End of this chapter)