Chinese Entertainment

Chapter 664: Free Speech Spiritual Opium
Hollywood.

Gu Wei arrived on the ninth day of the Lunar New Year, which was February 2th, and attended the Oscar nomination luncheon on the 9th with Leonardo.

On the 14th, the Oscars began voting for the winners, and this activity will continue until the 25th. In just ten days, it will decide who will win the various awards at this year's Academy Awards. The rest of the climax will come at the awards ceremony on March 3nd.

On the 15th, Gu Wei attended the Academy Awards for Science and Technology as a judge.

To be honest, when it comes to the level of emphasis on film technology, China really can't catch up with the United States.

The gap can be seen from just one science and technology award. In the end, Industrial Light & Magic won the award for its facial expression capture system, and Viper Film Stream won the award for its digital shooting system.

That night, at the Oscars Science and Technology Dinner.

Gu Wei became the most handsome guy in the whole venue because he reached new deals with several large companies and spent tens of millions of US dollars on the spot to purchase a complete set of facial expression capture systems, digital shooting systems and motion control systems.

"Gu, as far as I know, Tomorrow Star Films has no shortage of advanced filming equipment, so why spend a lot of cash to purchase these equipment?" asked a reporter from the New York Times during a dinner interview.

"That's right. My company has no shortage of advanced equipment. In recent years, in order to update the filming machinery and equipment, the conservative estimate is that the cost should be more than 200 million US dollars, which is equivalent to the production cost of two Class A movies." Gu Wei said with a smile, holding a bottle of champagne.

"Wow." Gu Wei's answer made many people around him exclaim, and many female stars looked at him with temptation in their eyes.

After enjoying the envious gazes of the crowd for a while, Gu Wei continued, "I think the most important thing for the film industry, besides the director, is the technological innovation that can promote the development of the industry. If everyone in the film industry only cares about the box office and not the machinery and equipment, then they are just walking on one leg and will never be able to grow bigger and stronger."

"The reason why I bought these devices is to give filmmakers who are engaged in equipment updates sufficient confidence and funds to continue their research and strive to produce more advanced machines, equipment and systems."

After finishing speaking, Gu Wei also felt that it was a bit too official, and then said in a joking tone: "Of course, these devices attract me like beauties, making me can't wait to use them in the next movie, haha."

Sure enough, everyone at the scene laughed, and some men even showed smiles that everyone understood.

"Hello, Gu! I'm Casey, a reporter from the Los Angeles Entertainment News. Many people on the Internet are guessing about your current net worth. Could you please tell me a little bit?" The pretty-looking woman asked with a smile, holding up the recording device while straightening her chest.

“Well, I really can’t answer the specific amount of assets, because it involves a lot of copyright issues, but I don’t have much concept of money. Compared with making money, I hope to make classic movies.

Of course, I also hope that this year’s Academy members will see my efforts and help The Revenant achieve good results.”

Gu Wei's Versailles answer made some people present roll their eyes.

"According to the latest voting trends, The Revenant does not have an advantage over 12 Years a Slave and Dallas Buyers Club. What do you want to say about this?" the beautiful reporter continued to ask.

"Haha, until the results come out, everything is possible." Gu Wei obviously didn't want to continue to dwell on this issue, and just wanted to promote "The Revenant" at the same time.

After answering a few more questions, Gu Wei thought the interview was about to end, but unexpectedly a reporter asked a question about the domestic ban on Korean culture.

Yes, the words were quite sharp and direct, even directly questioning whether Gu Wei would also take the lead in resisting the development of Hollywood culture in China.

Given Gu Wei's current status, this kind of question is indeed difficult to answer. If not handled properly, it might be distorted by the media into official remarks. After all, he represents the image of China.

After thinking for a while, Gu Wei slowly said: "First of all, my company in the mainland and I personally have not made any written statements to boycott South Korean culture. What we have announced is to make more movies and TV series that promote Chinese culture..."

"Secondly, personally, I don't like South Korean culture very much. I think it's like spiritual opium that is poisoning the young generation of China.

Of course, at any time, my comments only represent my personal opinion and do not involve any official level. "

"Then, Director Gu, what do you think of Hollywood culture? Will you join other mainland companies to boycott Western culture in the future?" The white reporter obviously did not want to let Gu Wei go. To be precise, in his opinion, Gu Wei's answer did not have any explosive points and could not attract traffic.

"Personally, I think Hollywood culture is very good. At least the film culture shown in China has a very positive side. My favorite movies include "A Beautiful Mind" and "Schindler's List". Compared with South Korean culture, I prefer Western culture."

Gu Wei offered a lot of flattery and mentioned two movies about "Jews". He said that this group of people controlled the American public opinion and could not be confronted head-on.

"So you support more Hollywood movies entering China?"

"Of course, I also hope that more and more Chinese-language films can enter the North American market, especially the films directed by me. I believe they will not disappoint the audience." Gu Wei was petty again. Anyway, it was not up to them to decide the number of imported films. If you have any questions, go to China Film. I guess La Peikang doesn't have time to listen to your nagging.

Seeing that the reporter was about to continue asking questions, Gu Wei said directly: "Ladies and gentlemen, I am not the protagonist tonight. Now let's end this damn interview and have fun."

After finishing speaking, Gu Wei chatted and laughed with the female star next to him for a few more words, and then returned to the crowd amid everyone's flattery. As he walked, he was thinking that it was not easy to make money from Americans, and at least he had to blend into the environment.

As for the answer just now, Gu Wei took into consideration that he still had a few more years to earn money from the Americans. As long as there were audiences willing to spend money on him, what would it matter if he flattered them a few times!
Seeing that his goal was not achieved, the white reporter quickly took a few photos of Gu Wei and planned to go back and write the news directly.

.........

domestic.

The two sides are still in a fierce dispute, while Xingchen Film and Television Company directly announced the approval of the ancient costume political drama "Nirvana in Fire" and started casting.

Hu Ge was directly cast as the leading male role, and later Liu Tao, Jiang Xin, Ding Yongdai, Ren Quan, Huang Zhizhong and others announced their joining.

The casting for this TV series was done very quickly, and nearly half of the actors are from other agencies, including the leading actress Liu Tao, who is not an artist under Xingchen Film and Television.

Now, everyone in the industry completely believed that Xingchen Film and Television was willing to open up resources to people in the circle, and for a while, there was an endless stream of actors going to audition.

Xingchen Films also accepted all participants, but had one requirement: the participants must not interfere with the normal operation and filming of the crew.

There is no way. Since the influx of capital in the past two years, the participants with the most say in the TV drama industry have gradually become the leading stars and TV stations, rather than directors or producers.

However, with the popularization of the Internet, online video platforms have sprung up like mushrooms in the past two years, and all kinds of photographers are bustling about, making it very lively.

But overall, the development of online video platforms is currently quite irregular, with both good and bad content mixed together. In short, piracy is rampant.

The resources are not insignificant, but almost none of them have obtained copyrights, and some don’t even have a license, and they are purely operating illegally.

In this regard, with Gu Wei's reminder, Tudou Video once again took the lead among many companies in the industry.

And the later the game progresses, the greater this advantage becomes.

It is foreseeable that this chaotic situation will not last long, and snatching money from TV stations is not a long-term solution.

People in the industry are not sure whether online video platforms can develop in the future and shake the monopoly of TV stations.

Because domestic film and television copyrights are a mess everywhere, many TV stations still do not have complete copyright even if they buy the broadcasting rights. When it comes to broadcasting, if another TV station buys out the copyright within a certain period of time, and then authorizes and re-authorizes it, the ownership of the copyright will become even more confusing.

Just like the previous new version of "Three Kingdoms", seven or eight film and television companies jointly invested in the production, and the composition was more complicated. It was not an easy task for any company or TV station to obtain the copyright.

Unless the video platform invests in the filming itself, this involves the issue of risks.

The situation may change in the future, but this is the reality at this stage, which has led to more say for TV stations and celebrity artists.

The crew and the production team have unknowingly become complete workers.

The casting requirements announced by Xingchen Film and Television Company are intended to change this situation and re-confirm the highest status of producers and investors.

Refuse to bring money into the crew and reduce the voice of celebrity artists in the crew, otherwise the dramas that are produced will probably be bad.

In recent years, celebrities have been acting like big shots, with temporary replacements, pay increases, and script changes happening all the time, which is a bit scary.

These were all proposed by Wang Chen and Jiang Xueruo, and they were also responsible for the specific details. Gu Wei had heard about them but didn't ask any more questions.

After all, starting from next year or the year after, celebrity artists will be able to develop into the ones who can directly decide the life and death of producers and investors. Many film and television projects can make huge profits by relying on the names of one or two artists.

As for the TV stations, there are quite a few who get things for free, and it is also common for them to default on broadcasting fees, so we have to be on guard.

at the same time.

Gu Wei's interview at the Hollywood Science and Technology Dinner was also reported back to China.

Sina, Sohu, Penguin, Guangxian Entertainment and other media used "spiritual opium" as the title and reported Gu Wei's remarks extensively.

There were also a large number of photos of Gu Wei being interviewed. Among them, Penguin selected a photo of Gu Wei chatting and laughing with a female star and made a secondary report.

Later, when Gu Wei saw this news, he cursed Penguin.

Of course, this is a later story. The situation Gu Wei is facing now is extremely dangerous.

"Brother, what did I do that didn't satisfy you?" "Brother, did I delay your good time?"

"Brother, why didn't you answer my call last night?"

Facing Miss Liu's three consecutive hits, Gu Wei felt like the sky was falling.

There were too many people who came to toast last night, and Gu Wei lost control and drank too much. When he woke up the next day, he didn’t even go to the crew, but directly received a call from the young lady.

"Honey…"

"Don't call me dear." On the other side, Miss Liu had a smile on her face but spoke rudely, while Su Chang next to her covered his mouth and laughed.

Although the young lady knew that Gu Wei returned to the villa last night, she still felt uncomfortable when she saw the news report.

"Hmph, I'm working hard at home to decorate the wedding room, but you're having fun at all kinds of drinking parties." As she spoke, Liu Yifei began to cry.

If Gu Wei was next to her, he would definitely sigh that the other person's acting skills have improved again. If she continues to develop like this, she will win the Cannes Best Actress award in no time.

Helplessly, Gu Wei could only coax her softly, saying all kinds of cheesy words.

"Huh, I can't listen to it anymore, tit tut." Su Chang couldn't stand it anymore after listening to it.

After hearing Su Chang's voice, Gu Wei realized that he had been teased by Miss Liu again.

"You, you, family disgrace should not be made public. Okay, now my status in front of Changchang has plummeted." Gu Wei said helplessly.

"It's okay, Changchang said she wanted to be my dowry girl, hehe."

"Really?"

"Haha, what do you think?"

"I'm just kidding, just teasing you." Gu Wei said immediately.

"Hey, you two are using me to make fun of me. There's no love between you." After sighing, Su Chang was ready to turn around and leave, away from these two people.

Later, Gu Wei suggested that Miss Liu come here earlier, but Liu Yifei disagreed. In her words, she wanted to stay at home and spend more time with her mother, and she was also considering several scripts.

After hearing this, Gu Wei realized that Miss Liu seemed to have been idle for quite a long time.

“Is there a suitable role?”

"I'm still thinking about it. I'll wait until after the Oscars."

...

After taking care of Miss Liu, Gu Wei, lying on the bed in the villa, let out a long sigh of relief. Then he drank a full cup of warm water before he prepared to take a nap contentedly.

Just when I was about to fall asleep, I received a call from La Peikang.

"Boss, what time is it now..."

"Hey, I checked the time. It's noon where you are now." Before Gu Wei could finish his words, La Peikang choked him, leaving him speechless.

"What happened?"

"What's wrong? Don't you know what's going on? As a big director, you can't say some things easily. You're a mental opium addict. People have reported it to the General Administration and demanded that you make a public apology..." La Peikang kept talking.

In the end, Gu Wei turned on the speaker, put his phone on the pillow, and stared at the ceiling with lifeless eyes.

"Are you listening?" La Peikang shouted after talking for five minutes.

"Well, let them come to the United States to sue me. Anyway, we support freedom of speech here. I will have a good time with them when they get here, haha." Gu Wei looked indifferent, which made La Peikang laugh.

"Haha, there's a meeting going on right now to discuss this matter, and someone has suggested that you should be given an internal education. Do you still think this is a small matter?"

"No way! I'm not even a party member, and I'm not affiliated with any domestic associations. How can this provoke them?" Gu Wei was speechless.

"You know you're afraid?"

"I'm not afraid, but I just find it troublesome. These people have the energy but can't use it against the Koreans. Why are they staring at me for no reason?" Gu Wei continued to complain.

"Hey, let's not talk about it. There are many people who support you, and the higher-ups are also considering the issue of the Korean Wave. But considering the overall situation, we can't take any drastic actions lightly."

In fact, La Peikang also supports the ban on South Korea from the bottom of his heart. Apart from anything else, the funds stolen by South Korean artists from the country every year are not a small amount. Those who want to be in the domestic entertainment industry don’t make much from the South Korean entertainment industry.

This phenomenon is a bit like the "tribute" in ancient times. Although the Celestial Empire gained face, it suffered a loss in substance.

It’s just because La Peikang has just taken office, so he can’t take any drastic action. Otherwise, why do you think the original ruler banned Korean culture in the domestic entertainment industry just two years after taking office? There are various factors involved.

Gu Wei also knew the result, so he was not panicked at all. Anyway, the official had not intervened yet, and no matter how fiercely the two sides quarreled, the higher-ups could use the competition between companies as an excuse.

The Koreans can only engage in verbal battles. If they really had that kind of ability, there would be no need for the United States to station troops there.

"I understand. Thank you for your hard work, leaders." Gu Wei never thought too much about saying nice things and just opened his mouth and spoke.

"You, no matter how nice your words are, it's better to be practical."

"How much do you want, leaders? Just tell me a number." Gu Wei said jokingly.

"No, I won't dare to call you if you keep talking like that." La Peikang teased.

"So what do you mean by this practical thing?"

"I've been thinking about that bet agreement these past two days..."

"Hello, hello...bad signal, hanging up..." After hanging up the phone, Gu Wei patted his chest. He almost got fooled again.

On the other side, listening to the beeping sound coming from the mobile phone, La Peikang smiled helplessly and shook his head.

...

The Spring Festival period is about to end, and "Journey to the West: Havoc in Heaven" has become the only blockbuster that has applied for an extension key.

Ning Hao's "Chinese Partners" has also entered the end of its release after the box office exceeded 600 million.

The box office of "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy" has successfully exceeded 800 million, but there is less than a week left before it is released, and there is no hope of making 1 billion.

Among them, "The Man from Macau" is the worst. In the original time and space, it still had a box office of more than 500 million. Now after reaching 320 million, it has almost stopped.

Compared with the original time and space, the box office revenue was directly reduced by 200 million, making Jingtian the biggest victim. He was also given the title of box office poison, and he is truly an unlucky guy.

The future of "Journey to the West: Havoc in Heaven", which was postponed for 20 days, is worrying amidst a barrage of criticism. After grossing over 500 million yuan, its average daily box office is only over 10 million yuan.

According to estimates by industry insiders, even if this movie is released for a full 50 days, it is still a question whether the box office can exceed 700 million yuan. It may also be 300 million yuan less than the original time and space.

The box office revenue that the two films lacked was just earned by the films produced by Xingchen Film and Television Company. It can only be said that the mainland market is also paying more and more attention to the quality of films.

Subsequently.

"Painted Skin 3" directed by Wu Ershan started filming with high profile, while Zheng Xiaolong chose the first-line actress Su Chang as the heroine of "Red Sorghum".

According to Zheng Xiaolong, Zhou Xun is indeed the best candidate, but unfortunately the crew cannot wait for just one person.

Zhou Xun also chose the former between movies and TV series.

As time goes by, the much-anticipated Oscars ceremony is getting closer...

.........

(End of this chapter)