Actor: Thank you.

That's life on a film set.

Kung Fu movies are simply more tiring and physically demanding than feature films.

But because of Huang Xiaoming's presence, Zhang Yuan hasn't been too tired from filming these past few days.

Because of his poor skill level, he had to rehearse the action scenes many times on his own before filming began.

Zhang Yuan and Hung Kam-po, who served as the chief action choreographer, watched from the sidelines while drinking tea.

This is the second time recently that he has encountered a co-star whose kung fu skills are lacking.

Lin Xilei, who was in "Reign of Assassins" a while ago, was similar.

Sammo Hung was even stricter than the action choreographer for "Reign of Assassins".

He won't teach you over and over again.

This person was beaten by his master, Yu Zhanyuan, since he was a child.

Therefore, he believed in the idea that strict teachers produce outstanding students.

will not?

Then practice until you can do it!

That's how I got here; if you can't learn it, beat them up.

This method is actually useful, especially for learners, but it depends on the individual.

You need talent to be useful.

If it's a simpleton, he'll never amount to anything.

Sammo Hung wouldn't actually beat up Wong Siu-ming; he might not have done so when he was younger.

Because even Chenlong often beats this guy up.

Right now, it's impossible to take action, since Huang Xiaoming is one of Huayi's people.

But he never said anything nice, and his face remained stern.

"Come again."

They didn't turn on the cameras; they kept them off and made Xiaoming practice in front of the lens over and over until he was satisfied. They even had to do two more takes before they turned on the camera to film.

"Come again!"

When Xiao Ming's hand gesture wasn't quite right, the boss took a sip of tea and then repeated the same words in a serious tone.

"Master Hong, calm down." Zhang Yuan said with a smile as he poured tea for his older brother.

Hung Kam-po's behavior terrified the rest of the crew, who dared not utter a sound.

Director Yip Wai-sing was like a little chick in front of him.

Zhang Yuan finally understood why Dan International had broken up with him after filming "Ip Man 2" in his previous life.

Who do you listen to?
Who's the boss on set?

I don't care about Sammo Hung sitting in the top seat of the crew, either mentally or physically, but Donnie Yen is not that kind of person.

Both were known as domineering actors, and when two domineering actors met, it was like a clash of planets.

From an investor's perspective, Zhang Yuan believes that Hung Kam-pao's strictness stems from his responsibility towards the work.

Moreover, he was able to keep everyone in check, and no one dared to voice any objections to the big brother.

So, I went from having to outwit and outmaneuver the entire crew to only needing to deal with Sammo Hung.

Moreover, keeping the camera off so Huang Xiaoming could practice repeatedly saved film, which is a wisdom of the older generation.

"Brother Xiaoming, have some tea and take a break," Zhang Yuan said to Huang Xiaoming, who was covered in sweat.

The other party waved his hand.

"Take a break after you've mastered this set of movements."

"Okay!" Zhang Yuan didn't say anything more.

To be fair, although they were once competitors, Zhang Yuan still has to give Xiaoming a fair evaluation.

He is very professional when he works.

At the request of the big brother, I practiced the starting stance more than twenty times.

Most people would have given up long ago; they would either be exhausted or angry.

He didn't; he gritted his teeth and continued.

They never complained or cried out that they were tired.

They also have high standards for themselves.

Knowing that his kung fu skills were poor, he specially bought a wooden dummy and placed it in his hotel room. Every day after filming, he would go back and practice on the wooden dummy.

Zhang Yuan squinted and observed that there were many bluish-purple bruises on the man's exposed arms.

It was probably left behind after practicing on the wooden dummy.

Although he was wearing long pants, Zhang Yuan guessed that he must have had quite a few bruises on his legs.

His talent is truly average, but his effort is truly remarkable.

Of the three musketeers from Beijing Film Academy back then, he was the one with the least talent and the least intelligence.

But you know what? In the end, he became the most popular one.

Because their minds aren't as quick, they're less likely to make big mistakes.

Moreover, because of his hard work, Sammo Hung saw it and simply made him practice again and again without actually cursing.

If a person does something with sincerity, even if they don't do it perfectly, those around them may not be so critical.

Zhang Yuan thought to himself that if he were Huayi's boss, he would definitely prefer to promote Huang Xiaoming rather than Deng Chao.

Xiao Ming is more honest, sentimental, hardworking, and has been making visible progress.

Deng Chao is a prime example of someone with a quick mind; between the two, Xiao Ming is definitely more useful.

Even if Deng Chao and I had a better relationship, it cannot be denied.

However, Huang Xiaoming also has his own shortcomings, especially when filming.

Zhang Yuan clearly noticed this through observation.

Filming officially began shortly afterward, but after several takes, neither Sammo Hung nor Yip Wai-sing were quite satisfied.

"Xiao Ming, stop showing off."

"The movements are out of form."

"You're already very handsome, just take the photos normally."

This is Xiaoming's fatal flaw!

That's also why his acting always seems "greasy".

Huang Xiaoming has the foundation of an acting talent but the habits of an idol.

He would constantly look for the camera while filming and would deliberately adjust his posture according to the position of the camera.

It's like always wanting to show your best side in front of the camera.

This is not what actors should do; it's what models, especially print models, should do!

Once an actor's mind is filled with the camera, they can't let go of the character, because the heart can only be so big.

The state of mind is always switching between oneself and the role.

This is a problem, and many celebrities have it.

Zhang Yuan thought about it and realized that there were quite a few around him alone.

Especially those who are naturally good-looking.

Yang Mi has this problem; she cares a lot about her image in front of the camera.

Liu Shishi is the same; she's usually very relaxed, but she becomes a bit stiff when she's in front of the camera.

She has a bit of an idol image to maintain.

On the contrary, Sisi, who has good personal qualities, doesn't have this problem at all.

Fan Bingbing also did not film "Buddha Mountain," which was her second collaboration with Li Yu, the director of "Apple."

Like Sisi in "Love Announcement", she appeared on screen without makeup.

Her dark circles were clearly visible in the footage, but she didn't use foundation to cover them.

The director also liked her dark circles, finding them natural and adding a touch of vulnerability.

Huang Xiaoming has this problem: he is overly concerned about his public image.

Seeing that this wasn't working, Zhang Yuan stepped forward to "persuade" him.

"Brother Xiaoming, don't worry too much about your image."

"We don't act to show off."

"I know..." He nodded shyly, but it was a habit, an instinctive thing to do.

And this guy gets nervous whenever Zhang Yuan speaks to him.

“No, you don’t know.” Zhang Yuan put his arm around his shoulder.

"Because no matter how much you try to look cool..." Zhang Yuan looked him straight in the eye, "you're not as handsome as me."

Huang Xiaoming: ...

In short, it cured his image anxiety.

When you're completely desperate, you stop being anxious.

"Remember that." Zhang Yuan patted his shoulder a few more times.

With just a few pats, Xiaoming's shoulders gradually slumped down.

His momentum gradually diminished with each movement.

Yes.

They're younger than me, taller than me, and better at fighting than me...

This person has a slight inferiority complex in their personality, and this has now been completely brought out.

I'm not going to try to look cool anymore; I don't have that kind of ambition anymore.

"Try again, keep filming."

"I'll be leaving for a while," Zhang Yuan said to Hong Jinbao, indicating that he was temporarily leaving the film set. At the entrance of the film studio, he, his assistant, and a deputy director stood firmly, with a cameraman carrying equipment beside them.

They are waiting for someone.

Waiting for the Golden Globe Best Actor award!

Before long, a finely decorated Toyota Coaster slowly drove into the gate of the film city from afar.

I don't know why, but people in China really like the Coaster, especially the leaders.

Anyway, he arranged for the film crew to find a car rental company, saying that they needed to pick up VIPs and wanted a high-end car, so this was arranged.

"Hahaha, my friend!"

Mickey Rourke jumped off the car, over two steps.

To be honest, this guy looks pretty scary after his disfigurement.

That is to say, during the day and at night, strangers are not allowed to enter the streets.

"I've been waiting for you for a long time. How is your first time in China?"

"It's completely different from what I imagined."

Behind the man, a small dog also got out of the car.

It wasn't one of those purebred dogs kept by wealthy women; it was a mixed breed, resembling a Pomeranian and a stray dog, yellowish and not very good-looking.

The film crew covered all the expenses for this dog named Sam's travel, food, and lodging, which was Mickey Rourke specifically requested and written into the contract.

Because this is not a pet, it is a comfort dog.

The physical trauma left him with considerable psychological stress, and this dog was a "prescription" signed by a psychologist in North America.

He was holding the dog, a perfect picture of Beauty and the Beast, with him being the beast.

"In my mind, China should be a green world full of terraced fields and farmers wearing straw hats."

The older brother walked alongside him, speaking at the same time.

"Yes, that's how China is portrayed in BBC or Fox News reports or documentaries."

“Those damned old Jews who control the media!” The older brother understood what he meant and cursed.

This is something you can't say in North America, but in China, even the hot-tempered guy starts to speak his mind.

In the eyes of most white people, countries in the socialist camp should be poor.

Otherwise, how can the superiority of the capitalist camp be demonstrated?

"Even the poorest patriots in London's East End will involuntarily straighten their backs when they think of Britain's industry and wealth," Engels once wrote.

Making the people believe that China is poor and impoverished can provide them with psychological comfort.

It serves a similar purpose to the dog that Mickey Rourke was holding.

This person had just finished filming "Iron Man" and came to his side.

Huang Xiaoming's scenes can be filmed slowly, but his schedule is limited.

After Zhang Yuan led him on a tour of the film set, he quickly pulled the director, action choreographer, and screenwriter together for a meeting.

He acted as a translator, serving as a bridge between the two parties.

This is an international superstar, and the entire crew swarmed around him.

"This is Huang Xiaoming, a well-known young actor in China." Zhang Yuan said when he saw Brother Xiaoming joining in the fun.

They even pulled him out of the crowd and introduced him to Mickey.

"I... HELLO." Brother Xiaoming greeted him shakily in English with a strong oyster accent.

"You're very handsome. Let's have some bourbon sometime," the older man said politely.

Huang Xiaoming didn't understand at all...

"He said he'd treat you to drinks sometime," Zhang Yuan relayed. "But I advise you not to drink with him; he can't hold his liquor."

Zhang Yuan remembered that Xiao Ming's alcohol tolerance wasn't very high.

Later, at the Qingdao Beer Festival in his hometown, he drank a pitcher of beer on stage, and then... he threw up.

He tried to show off but ended up embarrassing himself.

He tried to save face by saying that he wasn't used to carbonated drinks and usually drank whiskey.

Why is it called saving face?

During the promotion of "Summer's Desire," he and Peter Ho had a drinking contest on stage, and he passed out after finishing just one bottle of beer...

He gets drunk after just one drink but still loves to do this trick. What do you think we should do?

“But if you’re interested, you can join in. Anyway, I’ll be drinking with him,” Zhang Yuan changed his mind again.

I'm mainly afraid of hurting his self-esteem.

Brother Xiaoming smiled professionally, hands in his pockets, even striking a pose.

Despite his composed demeanor, he was actually quite nervous inside; his palms were sweating even though he had his hands in his pockets.

Golden Globe Award for Best Actor!
World-renowned superstar.

Hollywood A-lister!
It was a white movie star.

They consciously felt inferior in terms of their personal character.

It's not that he's a Western worshipper, it's just that people really panic when they see foreigners these days.

But watching Zhang Yuan chatting enthusiastically with Mickey Rourke, speaking fluent American English...

He usually speaks British English, but Mickey Locke doesn't like Britain, so he changed his accent.

Not only is he fluent in English, but he also becomes close friends with Hollywood A-listers, whom he gets nervous around, and they even put their arms around each other's shoulders.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Ming felt ashamed of himself.

He wasn't as handsome as others, and his English wasn't good either... He thought for a moment, "How am I inferior to others?"

Looking back, was it actually the right thing to let him play the role in "The Return of the Condor Heroes" and get rid of me?

Yes, yes, thank goodness he played the role; if I had, I would have ruined the show...

He even became so insecure that he began to deny his past self and try to justify his current behavior.

Zhang Yuan saw through his thoughts and sighed inwardly.

He is a good person.

Bad people don't do that.

As always, the eldest brother, Hung Kam-po, wore a smile, but his authority remained undiminished.

He didn't lose his big brother attitude at all just because the other party was a Hollywood A-lister.

Zhang Yuan admitted that he was consistent in his words and actions, and that he would cooperate with Zhang Yuan's domineering behavior on set.

I can't stand those who are subservient to foreigners but ruthless towards their own people.

“Mickey, we’ve talked before.”

"This time you'll be playing a boxing champion."

"From Britain."

"Be ruthless, unreasonable, arrogant, and don't respect anyone."

"He is a deeply ingrained racist who believes that Chinese people are merely inferior animals and have no right to compete with him."

"She's the kind of person who's repulsive, disgusting, and makes you uncomfortable even just looking at her, let alone touching her."

The villain must be evil.

The Japanese commander in the first film is a man of martial virtue, but he has a villain under his command who always shoots people in the head to fill the niche of extreme ruthlessness.

The second film, which featured foreigners, was also divided into two parts.

The boxing champion Tornado is responsible for violence, the kind of direct evil.

The Briton, as the colonist's police chief, was responsible for the ruthless, vicious, and greedy part.

The combination of these two elements creates the perfect villainous character.

If the villains aren't evil, how can the brilliance of protagonists like Ip Man be highlighted?

"Anyway, he is a very typical villain."

“So, it has to be disgusting, brutal, arrogant, and vain,” Mickey Locke counted on his fingers.

"It is equivalent to fulfilling all the sins of the seven deadly sins."

"Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, pride."

“Such an evil person…” Mickey stroked his chin and nodded, “Isn’t he just an ordinary Briton?”

"Ha ha ha ha ha……"

After saying that, he burst into laughter.

A joke that is both realistic and hellish.

This remains true for the British to this day.

Hell was something that the people in the colonies felt all too well.

“Haha, that’s right, it’s the image of every Briton,” Zhang Yuan chimed in.

I thought to myself that North Americans are pretty much the same, one father and one son, or even a conjugate father and son...

Hahahaha... The two of them laughed loudly, but the people around them couldn't understand them.

Zhang Yuan gave an explanation.

As a result, few people cooperated; most were indifferent.

Oh!
Seeing the deserted scene, Zhang Yuan realized what was happening.

A German-French mixed-race North American who hated Britain and considered himself Irish joined him, a pure-blooded Chinese, in mocking the British.

The group of Hong Kongers around them were both annoyed and embarrassed...

It seems that after being colonized for so long, some people have become accustomed to being slaves and have even begun to complain on behalf of their "masters".

Zhang Yuan glanced over.

One day I'll have to help you guys change your habits. (End of Chapter)