Huayu: Director started with art films

Chapter 347-358 [Inland and Hong Kong co-produced TV series, promising Wu Yusen a big prize]

Miss Asia and The Voice of Asia are both selection programs, and the early preparation work takes a lot of time.

But Huo Wenxi was anxious to see results, so he only gave his subordinates one month to prepare for the Miss Asia Pageant, and then officially started this year's Miss Asia Pageant in mid-May.

The good voice can be performed a little later, but some related props and venues must be arranged and prepared in advance.

"Okay, that's all for today. When you go back, take a closer look at the documents in your hands."

Huo Wenxi announced the end of the meeting, and she walked out of the meeting room with the documents in her hand, returned to her office, and asked her secretary to call Zhao Yajun, the director of the TV drama production department, over.

A few minutes later.

Zhao Yajun knocked on the door and walked in: "Director Huo, you're looking for me?"

"Manager Zhao, please sit down and talk."

Huo Wenxi asked the other party to sit down and said, "I looked at the TV series that our ATV is filming recently, and I saw "Mr. Vampire" directed by Lin Zhengying?"

Zhao Yajun said, "Yes, Director Huo, zombie-themed films are still very popular in Hong Kong. Although few zombie movies have been made in recent years, TV series are different. They are broadcast for free, and I believe the audience will still be happy to watch them. Moreover, Lin Zhengying himself is the screenwriter and director."

"Well, what you said makes sense, but zombie themes can only be broadcast in Hong Kong and are not suitable for screening in mainland China."

Huo Wenxi thought for a moment and asked, "How is the filming progress over at Lin Zhengying's place?"

Zhao Yajun said: "It has just started filming. It is expected to be completed in June at the earliest, because this TV series requires a lot of props, and Lin Zhengying is a person who strives for perfection."

"June..."

Huo Wenxi frowned. The filming was completed in June, so the earliest it could be aired would be in July. She thought of the alternative scripts in the production department of the station, "I saw that your production department has a script for Fist of Fury?"

Zhao Yajun said, "Yes, Director Huo, the original plan for the production of Fist of Fury was to start in February, but because of Chairman Li, the project has been suspended until now."

“Then restart the project.”

Huo Wenxi said: "We can go to the mainland to shoot. There are suitable film and television studios in the Republic of China there. We can make this TV series into a co-production."

"Okay Director Huo."

Zhao Yajun nodded. The TV station had always been optimistic about the "Fist of Fury" project. After all, ever since Bruce Lee's "Fist of Fury" came out, Chen Zhen, the fictional apprentice of Huo Yuanjia, has become a celebrity in Hong Kong Island.

Later, ATV's "The Legend of Chen Zhen" also made Liang Xiaolong famous.

Now that it has been more than ten years since the reboot, I believe that the reboot of the story of "Fist of Fury" will still attract new and old audiences.

"In addition to the production project of Fist of Fury, there is another new project. Director Zhao, please take a look at it."

Huo Wenxi took out a book and handed it to Zhao Yajun.

After taking it and looking at it, Zhao Yajun said in surprise: "This is Chairman Li's novel Love Letter. I remember that there seems to be a TV drama version of it in Japan?"

"Yes, Japan did remake it, but it was filmed in Japan after all. Chairman Li has agreed to authorize us at ATV to remake Love Letter."

Huo Wenxi said: "The Love Letter project, whether it is a movie or a TV series, has been a big hit in Japan. Director Zhao must shoot it carefully and not let Chairman Li down."

"I understand. Director Huo, please rest assured that I will be the producer of this drama myself." Zhao Yajun nodded repeatedly. He knew very well how popular "Love Letter" was in Japan back then, and the video tapes were also sold to Hong Kong.

Now it is being remade again, and it is the work of his own boss. If it is not well made, not only will the fans of the movie and the book be unhappy, but he, the head of the production department, will probably have to step down in disgrace.

"Okay, you go out first. Get these three dramas done as soon as possible. I have asked someone to contact the Arts Entertainment Group. They have several good TV dramas on hand, and they will be broadcasted by ATV when the time comes."

The branch company of the mainland's art and entertainment group has filmed several TV series. Except for "Getting High" which is more northern, other TV series such as "Frosty Leaves Are Red Like February" and "Legend of the Han Palace" can still be broadcast in Hong Kong.

Zhao Yajun nodded: "Okay, Director Huo, I'll go out first."

"Go."

Huo Wenxi waved her hand, and after Zhao Yajun left, she personally sent a fax to the United States, mainly talking about the situation of the TV station.

Although he had only been the chief administrative officer for a few days, Huo Wenxi clearly felt that there were problems within the company, especially when the meeting had just started, many department heads looked like old hands.

People with long experience and who have worked in the company for many years are the most difficult to deal with.

But it doesn't matter. Huo Wenxi holds the power of life and death given by Li Yishu. If anyone runs into a trap, don't blame her for being rude.

The Oprah Winfrey Show

This is not the first time that Lee Yi-su has participated. The last time she came was on the eve of the release of "The Sixth Sense".

This time when he came, the treatment was obviously better.

You have to know that when "The Sixth Sense" broke the global box office of 4 million US dollars, Li Yishu was just an award-winning Chinese art director.

Now, two years have passed, and he has not only proved his commercial ability with "The Sixth Sense", but also became the godfather of Asian cinema by becoming the first Asian director to win three major awards.

The recording took about three hours.

It didn't end until the evening.

Li Yishu hosted Oprah and the show's staff for a big meal at a nearby restaurant.

During this period, Oprah repeatedly expressed that she would personally attend the premiere of "Chicago", and Li Yishu was naturally happy to see it happen. Now is the peak period of Oprah's career, and more than 20 million viewers across the United States watch her show on time.

If Oprah could be present at the premiere, it would definitely bring a lot of topics and publicity to the movie.

At the entrance of the restaurant, Li Yishu smiled and said, "I will ask the company to send you an invitation letter to Oprah."

“You must send it.”

"Don't worry, I'm sure!"

After chatting for a few more words, Oprah left with her staff, smiling.

Tom Hanks said, "Lee, I have something else to do so I'll leave first."

He is very popular recently. The reason he can come to record "The Oprah Winfrey Show" today is all because of a plan that had been made long ago. After the premiere, he will go to theaters in several major cities to promote it.

How can we not make better use of Forrest Gump's name?

"No problem Hanks, see you at the premiere."

Li Yishu sent most of the people away, and only he, Cindy Crawford, and Naomi Watts were left at the scene.

Cindy Crawford smiled and said, "Lee, knowing that you are coming to Los Angeles, Nawo and I have prepared a gift for you."

"What gift?" Li Yishu looked at Nawo, who was smiling and didn't seem to want to reveal anything.

"I promise you'll like it. Let's go, get in the car!"

Cindy Crawford pushed Li Yishu into the car, and Naomi Watts went to the driver's seat. The car started and drove straight to the hotel they had booked long ago.

Arrived at the hotel suite.

Cindy took off her coat, looked at Li Yishu, and said charmingly, "Li, do you like sandwiches?"

"sandwich?"

Li Yishu was stunned at first, and suddenly he felt two soft things behind him. Before he could react, Cindy hugged him and whispered in his ear, "This is a sandwich!"

Eat, definitely eat as much as you can!
Lee Ye-seo fell in love with sandwiches for the first time!
A few days later.

March 3st, Friday, around 31pm.

In front of the Chinese Grand Theater in Los Angeles, a red carpet is laid out from the entrance of the theater all the way out.

The large square in front of the entrance had already been surrounded by fans, reporters, and passers-by.

"Hanks, Hanks, I love you!"

"Gump, Gump!"

"Cindy, you are the world's number one supermodel!"

"Lee, your movies are the best!"

"..."

After the main creative team took the stage first, Li Yishu stood at the end of the red carpet with Amy and Harvey, waiting for the guests to arrive.

In addition to the actors who have worked with Lee Ye-su, Harvey also invited many friends in the circle.

Thomas, who was promoted to producer, also came with two executives from Columbia's production department.

The scene was extremely lively.

An old white man was walking towards me.

Harvey introduced, "Lee, this is Arthur Miller, the president of the academy!"

Li Yishu extended his hand enthusiastically: "Hello, Chairman Miller, I have heard of you for a long time. I didn't expect to finally meet Arthur Miller in person. I have only seen you in books before."

"Oh?" Arthur Miller shook hands with Li Yishu first, then asked curiously, "In a book? What book?"

"A book about the world's 100 most legendary film screenwriters."

Li Yishu said with a smile: "I was deeply impressed by the "Salem Witches" you wrote in the 1950s. I heard that you wrote this play as a resistance to the rampant McCarthyism at that time?"

He had learned in advance that Arthur Miller, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, would attend this year's meeting, so he asked Amy to collect information about him early on.

Hearing about McCarthyism, Arthur Miller was a little stunned, then smiled and said, "Yes, that was forty years ago. I didn't expect that there are still young people like you who know about it."

"Movie heroes are never forgotten."

Knowing in advance the past and personality of the president of the Academy, Li Yishu's few words really touched the heart of the other party. Older people, especially those like him who are still active in the industry at the age of 80 and participate in the Oscar judging, attach great importance to fame and fortune.

When I learned that Arthur Miller was highly regarded in the Eastern country where Lee Yi-shu was, and that the film school even opened a course specifically to study his screenwriting style, I liked Lee Yi-shu even more.

After a lively chat, if Arthur Miller wasn't old and it was a little cold outside, he would probably have wanted to talk to Li Yishu for a while longer.

After sending Arthur Miller in, Harvey said, "I have a friend over there, go entertain him."

"It just so happens that I have two friends coming over as well."

When Li Yishu saw Li An and Wu Yusen coming together, she took Amy to greet them.

On the way over, Amy couldn't help but ask, "Boss, is there really a course in mainland China that studies Arthur Miller?"

She asked curiously because when talking about Arthur Miller a few days ago, Li Yishu looked confused. This didn't seem like a target for research in film schools in mainland China.

"There's definitely no course on it, but his name does appear in the screenwriting textbook."

Li Yishu smiled and said, "Besides, Arthur Miller can't travel thousands of miles to visit China, right?"

Arthur Miller, Eugene O'Neill and Tennessee Williams are known as the three great American dramatists of the 20th century.

Although Li Yishu has never attended the screenwriting class at Beijing Film Academy, I think such a famous screenwriter must have been mentioned more or less.

What's more, Arthur Miller, who was only 80 years old, had an ex-wife who was envied by men all over the world, and that was Marilyn Monroe.

"Okay." Amy smiled bitterly. She was really deceived by Li Yishu's expression just now.

Li An came over quickly and said, "Director Li, I'm so sorry. There was a traffic jam on the road and I'm late."

After shaking hands, Li Yishu smiled and said, "It's okay, I'm glad you came. I haven't forgotten to congratulate you for winning another Golden Bear."

"This is all thanks to Director Li. Without Director Li's support, I might not have won the Golden Bear."

Li An was very modest in words, but his face was filled with joy. It would be a lie to say that he was not happy. The two Golden Bear Awards completely pushed him into the ranks of famous directors.

There is also "Final Destination", a movie that has grossed over $100 million worldwide.

Business and art are both flourishing.

"Haha, I'll take credit for this."

Li Yishu patted Li An's arm and then looked at Wu Yusen. Unlike his previous embarrassment, he has now recovered a lot of energy.

The previously filmed "Wrong Turn" was released successfully, and although it only took in over 2000 million US dollars at the box office, the video tapes sold very well, and the new VCD peripherals were also popular in North America.

If a commercial director can make people see the benefits, then he will always have support.

After two Hollywood movies, one was a mediocre success and the other was a complete failure. Wu Yusen even wanted to commit suicide.

But now he is obviously alive.

Li Yishu naturally encouraged the money-making machine. He said, "Wrong Turn was well made. Amy told me that you are currently filming Final Destination 2. Do your best. Once you have made a few more films and are familiar with the Hollywood filming model, I will let you shoot Face/Off!"

Li Yishu told Wu Yusen about the idea of ​​face-changing at the beginning. Wu wrote it very quickly and the finished manuscript was handed over to Amy at the beginning of this year. Li Yishu also read it these days, although it was a little different from what he remembered.

But overall it is similar. After all, the on-site shooting may not be exactly the same as the script.

"Thank you, Director Li!" Wu Yusen was immediately excited when he heard this. He wrote the script of "Face/Off" himself, so he naturally knew that it would be impossible to film this script without an investment of tens of millions of dollars.

Li Yishu let him take the photo, which meant that he would have another chance of success soon!
(End of this chapter)