Chinese Entertainment

Chapter 58 Celebration Banquet

As early as December 12, Feng Xiaogang's New Year's film "Cell Phone", which had been hidden for almost a year, was released in the capital.

Director Feng Xiaogang, screenwriter Liu Zhenyun and four leading actors Xu Fan, Fan Binbin, Ge You and Zhang Guoli all appeared at the premiere.

Gu Wei also received an invitation, but chose not to go to the premiere to avoid being too conspicuous.

On the same day, Gu Wei called Feng Xiaogang and said some words of congratulations, and Feng Xiaogang also expressed his understanding.

After the premiere, Feng Xiaogang and several leading actors gave exclusive interviews to reporters.

On the 18th, "Cell Phone" premiered in major cinemas in Jinling. However, this domestic blockbuster was accompanied by a strong and pungent commercial smell.

On the 19th, the crew of "Cell Phone" rushed to Shanghai again and chose it as the main battlefield.

That night, celebrities of all ages who had appeared in Feng's Lunar New Year films gathered at the Shanghai Cinema to support the national premiere of Cell Phone.

The next day, the "Cell Phone" crew also participated in a symposium with audiences in Shanghai and went to Gome Shopping Mall to sign autographs and sell cell phones.

In a word, it's all for the box office.

The high box office success of "The Day After Tomorrow" after its release allowed them to see the development of the industry, but also made them feel the pressure.

...

At the end of the month, the box office of "The Day After Tomorrow" exceeded 100 million yuan. There was still a week before the movie was released, and China Film Group began preparing for a celebration banquet. Guangguang also sent people to participate. Both companies participated in the investment, so it made sense to hold a celebration banquet in China.

The venue was set at Capital Hotel, which was also arranged by China Film Group.

Led by China Film Group and assisted by Wang Changtian of Guangxian, those who were able to attend the event on that day were all well-known film and television company bosses in the circle, as well as many major directors, well-known artists and film producers.

Yu Dong from Bona, Wang Zhongjun from Huayi, and people from Shanghai Film Group also attended the event. In addition to film companies, some TV drama production companies were also present.

"Director Gu, I heard that you were the one who invited that TV drama company."

Wang Changtian looked at a group of people not far away and asked.

"We have collaborated with Tangren Film and Television on a TV series before, so we invited them over this time," said Gu Wei.

"Haha, Director Gu, if there is any cooperation on TV dramas in the future, please consider us. Guangguang has a large number of distribution channels," Wang Changtian added happily.

"Let's talk about it later when we have a chance."

Gu Wei smiled but didn't make any promise to him.

Next to them, Liu Xiaoli, Liu Yifei and several filmmakers were chatting and laughing, and it seemed like they were having a good time.

Seeing Gu Wei looking at her, Liu Yifei smiled sweetly. Gu Wei smiled at her and nodded.

"Congratulations to Director Gu, congratulations on the movie breaking the 100 million box office."

At this time, a senior executive from Shanghai Film Group came over and spoke to Gu Wei.

"This is the leader in charge of film production at Shanghai Film Group," Wang Changtian reminded quietly.

"Hello."

Gu Wei stretched out his hand and shook it.

A few people gathered together and started chatting, and from time to time someone nearby looked over here.

In the hall, Cai Yinong of Tangren Film and Television was chatting with several other film and television company bosses. Mr. Cai was very goal-oriented and had always wanted to enter the film industry. The celebration banquet was also an occasion to discuss business and cooperation.

On the other side, Han Sanping and Chen Kaige were chatting about something and laughing from time to time, attracting many people's attention.

The next film directed by Chen Kaige, with China Film Group as the main investor, is currently undergoing pre-shooting preparations and is expected to start shooting in March next year.

The film is said to have a higher investment than "Hero" and stars many stars, including Hong Kong's hottest new generation stars Nicholas Tse and Zhang Bozhi, mainland's film emperor Liu Ye, Japan's Hiroyuki Sanada and South Korea's Jang Dong-gun.

It has a large number of big-name stars and a huge investment, and has been reported a lot by reporters recently. The media calls it an oriental fantasy epic blockbuster, which is both fantasy and epic, and full of gimmicks.

"Director Gu, congratulations,"

Wang Zhongjun of Huayi came over and started talking as soon as he came up, without any arrogance as he showed in front of other people. Feng Xiaogang and his wife, and Fan Binbin were also beside him.

"Mr. Wang, you're welcome. The box office of Cell Phone is also very good."

The movie "Cell Phone" produced by Huayi Company has grossed over 30 million yuan in less than half a month since its release, and currently ranks first among all domestic films.

Huayi Company has developed rapidly in the past two years. This year, it not only invested in Feng Xiaogang's films, but also invested in the film "Kung Fu" together with Columbia Pictures.

However, the release date of "Kung Fu" has been postponed. It is rumored that there is a conflict between Huayi Company and Columbia Pictures.

"Director Gu."

"Director Feng, Sister Fan."

Feng Xiaogang looked at Gu Wei in front of him and felt a little emotional. The two had a good relationship, but because Gu Wei often stayed abroad in the past two years, their contact was not as frequent as before.

"Director Gu, this is Binbin."

"Hello, Director Gu, I'm Fan Binbin."

"Hello."

The two reached out and shook hands.

"Director Gu, if there is a suitable movie role in the future, you can consider Binbin."

Wang Zhongjun made a recommendation at the right time, and Fan Binbin next to him also smiled and looked at Gu Wei.

"Director Gu, if you have the chance, you can try my play. The pay is negotiable. The size of the role doesn't matter. I really want to be in Director Gu's play."

"Well, let's talk about it later when we have a chance."

At this stage, she is not the number one actress in Huayi, but she knows just the right way of dealing with people and speaking, and is worthy of being someone who can say "I am a wealthy family."

There were many reporters and media present at the Capital Hotel. If nothing unexpected happens, the next leadership team of China Film Corporation will be led by Han Sanping. He was the one who negotiated the 10% investment share of China Film Corporation, and Han Sanping also wanted to take this opportunity to publicize his contribution.

In the private room, Gu Wei and Han Sanping sat face to face.

"Boss Han, what's the matter with calling me over here?"

"Have you heard about Director Chen's new movie?"

"Yeah." Gu Wei nodded, a little confused.

"This movie is mainly invested by China Film Group. If you are interested, we can give you some of the shares."

Han Sanping stated his purpose.

"Boss Han, forget it. I'm going there after the New Year to start filming my next movie, so I can't spare the funds."

Gu Wei immediately rejected Han Sanping's proposal, and decided to leave this "good thing" to China Film Group.

"alright."

Han Sanping felt a little sorry for him for missing out on such a good project. According to the analysis of China Film Group, there was a high chance that this movie would make a lot of money.

"Let's go, the ceremony is about to begin."

Han Sanping called Gu Wei over to talk about this matter. Now that the matter has been discussed, he can't stay in the private room forever.

As soon as they came out of the private room, Boss Yang appeared in front of them at the right time.

"Boss Han, congratulations on the movie's box office success."

"Director Gu, congratulations."

The boss was dressed like a successful man and stretched out his hand with a smile.

"Hello, Mr. Yang, I have heard of your great name for a long time."

Gu Wei had spoken to this person on the phone several times, and this was the first time they met.

"Haha, Director Gu, you're too polite."

"I heard that Director Gu will have a movie coming out after the New Year. Please leave the distribution in Hong Kong to us. We will definitely take care of it when the time comes."

"Then I'll trouble Director Yang."

Gu Wei smiled and said that it would be just right for them to distribute the film.

"Haha, it's no trouble. I can't ask for more to work with Director Gu. We'll be a family from now on."

Everyone likes to hear nice words, and this person is the kind of person who can take it or leave it. After the reform of the mainland film and television industry, he currently has a very close relationship with China Film.

Before the dinner started, Han Sanping, the leader of China Film Group, took the stage and gave a speech.

The hall suddenly became quiet, with only Han Sanping's voice remaining. The CEOs and managers of various film and television companies who were acting as the audience below all had smiles on their faces and their eyes turned towards the stage.

Han Sanping didn't speak for long. After a while, he strode off the stage and warm applause broke out instantly.

Time passed quickly. At around seven o'clock in the evening, the dinner officially began. Gu Wei, Han Sanping and others sat together.

Those who can sit at this table are all well-known figures, including CEOs of film and television companies such as Wang Changtian, Yu Dong, Wang Zhongjun and Yang Shoucheng, as well as well-known directors such as Feng Xiaogang and Chen Kaige.

"Come on, come on, everyone sit down and eat and chat."

Han Sanping was in high spirits. He sat down at the main seat and asked everyone to start eating.

After a few drinks, the atmosphere became lively and people came over to toast from time to time.

"Director Gu, let me offer you a drink. Please do as you please."

Fan Binbin came to him with a 200-ounce cup and drank it in one gulp.

Gu Wei was a little shocked when he saw this situation. He was worthy of being from Huayi Company and had deeply understood the essence of wine culture.

Many people came to toast him, and Gu Wei didn't dare to drink it all in one gulp. He took a sip. Fan Binbin kept smiling, and after chatting with Gu Wei for a few words, he turned and left.

"She is a person who knows when to advance and when to retreat," Gu Wei said as he watched her leaving.

The mainland's drinking culture is deeply rooted in the blood of the Chinese people and has a far-reaching influence. Especially for those in this circle, the etiquette at the wine table is even more complicated.

The dinner lasted nearly three hours. Facing the people who came to toast him, even though Gu Wei only took a small sip, he still drank a lot during the meal.

...

The next morning, when Gu Wei opened his eyes, he felt dry mouth. He got up, put on his coat, picked up the kettle on the bedside table, poured himself a glass of water and drank it.

"Tons, tons, tons."

After drinking a glass of warm water, I felt much better.

After drinking the water, I no longer felt sleepy. I got up, washed up, went downstairs to the entrance of the community, had some breakfast, and went straight to the company.

Reports about yesterday's celebration banquet have already come out online, along with a large number of photos taken on the spot.

Most of the major portals contain reports about China Film and other film and television companies, and there are almost no photos of Gu Wei. This is also the reason why China Film Group greeted the media reporters in advance.

Gu Wei came to the company and browsed various major portals.

"The mainland is unfair in scheduling Hong Kong films."

"Hong Kong directors and artists went north to help the mainland's film and television industry develop, but they were suppressed?"

The two reports on the Internet caught Gu Wei's attention, and he picked up the mouse and clicked on them.

The general content is that several Hong Kong directors were interviewed by reporters and mentioned the box office of Hong Kong films. They believed that mainland cinemas had unfair scheduling practices and deliberately suppressed Hong Kong films.

Other filmmakers also spoke up, saying that the mainland could refer to the film shooting models of other countries, with mainland film and television companies providing funding and the specific shooting being handed over to Hong Kong.

Many examples were cited to illustrate that after years of development, Hong Kong's film industry not only has a complete production process and experience, including logistics and production staff that are far superior to those in the mainland, but Hong Kong directors also have won more international honors.

"A bunch of clowns."

After reading the report, Gu Wei said with disdain.

After this group of people came north, they asked for a lot of money, made a terrible movie, and still have the nerve to bark about it on the Internet.

"After this movie is finished, I will also make an award-winning film."

Gu Wei stared at the computer screen, thinking silently.

(End of this chapter)