Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 581 Interview: Getting to the Point
(Some changes were made to the previous chapter, mainly removing the conflict with Chai Jing. I think it's better to avoid conflict with CCTV. Those interested can reload and take a look.)
"Face to Face" is an in-depth interview program with no live audience.

In front of the spotlight were only Zhang Chen, Fan Xiaopang, and Chai Jing, while outside the spotlight were a group of staff members.

At the start of the interview, Chai Jing smiled.

The hosts' smiles are all deliberately practiced. From a professional perspective, a smile is an important "language" for hosts to communicate with the audience. It can convey friendliness, professionalism, and friendliness, helping to shorten the distance between the host and the audience.

"We are fortunate to have some friends from Starry Sky Entertainment with us today to discuss film-related topics."

After a brief opening, Chai Jing asked the first question: "We all know that Zhang Chen is not only a director, but also the boss of Star Entertainment. So, which of these two identities do you care about more?"

Zhang Chen shrugged: "Of course, I'm the director. I don't handle the company's usual affairs; Manager Dong manages those."

As he spoke, Zhang Chen pointed to Dong Jianqiang standing next to him.

Yes, Dong Jianqiang did appear on camera, at Zhang Chen's special request, and he was a little excited.

Dong Jianqiang nodded in agreement: "Yes, we actually had a division of labor when the company was first established. Director Zhang was in charge of the creative work, and I was in charge of the company's daily operations."

Fan Xiaopang, who was standing next to him, added, "Director Zhang is definitely most concerned about the position of director. He used to dislike it when we called him President Zhang, and he insisted that we call him Director Zhang..."

"Is that right?"

Zhang Chen nodded in agreement: "Yes, I generally don't like people calling me 'President Zhang,' I prefer the title 'Director.'"

So far, Chai, the public intellectual, has behaved fairly well and has not shown any aggression.

But it's normal.

She is Chai Jing, not Yi Lijin.

"I've heard that films produced by Starry Sky Entertainment never submit them for major art awards. Why is that?"

"Because most film festivals or award ceremonies are art-oriented, while most of the films produced by our company are commercial films, we are inherently disliked by those judges. Rather than going to join the fun and being ridiculed by those people, it's better not to participate..."

"Won't people say you're not fitting in if you do this?"

"What good would saying anything do? We're not even on the same wavelength; there's no need to force it. Those award ceremonies in China have their own set of rules. Everyone should just do their own thing. We don't mess with them, and they shouldn't mess with us. Let's all live in peace."
Moreover, it's not that we don't participate in similar events. The most numerous trophies in Star Entertainment's showroom are from the College Student Film Festival. The College Student Film Festival is based on audience voting, while we serve the audience, so we are happy to participate in such awards..."

"The Hundred Flowers Awards are also based on audience voting~"

Hearing Chai Jing's words, Zhang Chen shook his head: "The Hundred Flowers Awards have long since deviated from their original purpose. The Hundred Flowers Awards are just Huayi Brothers' backyard, while the Golden Rooster Awards are just self-entertainment for the Beijing entertainment circle..."

After Zhang Chen finished speaking, he noticed that Chai Jing subconsciously glanced at the director below the stage, knowing that this part would most likely be cut in the end.

But it doesn’t matter.

Chai Jing changed the subject: "I heard that '2012' didn't get a single Oscar nomination?"

Zhang Chen nodded: "Yes."

"why?"

"...I don't know, what do you think?"

"hehe…"

When asked the question in return, Chai Jing smiled awkwardly: "It seems Oscar doesn't think much of you. Are you disappointed?"

This time, Zhang Chen shook his head decisively: "Absolutely not."

To put it simply, the only thing that can disappoint me is the box office performance.

The global box office of "2012" was not bad, and I don't care whether it wins awards or not.

However, Warner Bros. might have something to say about it.

However, I admit that compared to the three major European films, the Oscars are more favorable to commercial films.

From an artistic perspective, the three major European film festivals actually carry more weight than the Oscars.

But the reality is that the film industry is monopolized by Hollywood, and the art films of the three major European cinemas have become non-mainstream.

This isn't just my opinion; it's the same in countries all over the world.

Even in France, where art-house films are most popular, audiences still prefer Hollywood blockbusters.

Hollywood corresponds to the Oscars.

Winning an Oscar means gaining market recognition, so the value of an Oscar winner immediately skyrockets...

"I'd like to ask Bingbing, you've appeared in the most films directed by Director Zhang, but his films aren't considered for any awards. Are you ever confused about that? I believe actors definitely need recognition through awards..."

Fan Xiaopang smiled wryly: "Of course there will be such troubles, but Director Zhang also made up for it. 'Gravity' is the work he wrote for me to win awards?"

"Oh, when will it be released?"

Chai Jing readily asked about the release date, which was a way of promoting the film.

When people make programs, it's all about mutual benefit.

The show needs ratings, and the guests need attention; everyone gets what they want.

"July 3rd, I hope all the viewers will support us then." Fan Xiaopang took the opportunity to promote his product.

As long as it's not too outrageous, the production team usually won't cut it out.

"Best Actress?"

"Yes."

"Golden Rooster? Hundred Flowers? Or Ornamental Column?"

"Neither, it's the Oscars."

"Oh?"

Knowing she would have questions, Zhang Chen explained directly: "Domestic awards are all about connections. If you're not one of them, it'll be very difficult to win an award."
It's even harder for commercial films to win awards.
Oscars are relatively easier~

Chai Jing was astonished. "Do you want to hear what you're saying? The Golden Rooster, Hundred Flowers, and Huabiao Awards in China are even more difficult to win than the Oscars?"
You mean the Oscars are fair?

Zhang Chen glanced at Chai Jing, feeling that she was digging a pit for him.

"Of course not. The Oscars also have circles, but they can be lobbied."

"Throwing money?"

"Not entirely. Public relations is an open secret and not against the rules. As long as the film is good enough, and the public relations are done well, the chances of winning awards are very high. Otherwise, why do you think Weinstein Company's films can win awards one after another?"

"How do you know this?"

"I just don't bother doing it, it's not like I don't know how."

"But you just said~"

"It wasn't my PR team, it was Warner Bros. Like I said, the Oscars are about connections, you need your own people, and we're not exactly part of that circle..."

So-called globalization and free economy are all nonsense.

It's the same all over the world; there are always places protected. If you actually believe in that nonsense about freedom and fairness, you'll only end up in a terrible situation. Alston believed that kind of bullshit..."

There's another thing Zhang Chen didn't say, but ByteDance also believed this nonsense.

"Actually, all film festivals in the world are the same. Do you think the three major European film festivals are fair? They are even less fair. They are all cliques that take care of their acquaintances."

When director A served as the president of the jury at the Venice Film Festival, Jiang Wen's "The Sun Also Rises" was nominated for the main competition. When asked about the award, Jiang Wen simply said, "Man proposes, God disposes!"

I don't need to explain what this means, right?
However, Zhang Yimou preferred "Lust, Caution," so Jiang Wen's back door didn't work out.

"

Chai Jing felt that this topic could not be continued any further; much of what Zhang Chen had just said had to be cut.

Sure enough, the director reminded me through the earpiece to change the topic.
"I have a question from the internet: Starry Sky Entertainment, as the largest private film and television company in China, has achieved remarkable results, but it has not shouldered its due social responsibility."

Zhang Chen frowned: "Be more specific~"

"Some people believe that all the movies produced by Star Entertainment are science fiction, horror, action, and suspense films, lacking 'realistic' films that reflect social issues..."

Chai Jing looked at Zhang Chen, but Zhang Chen looked at Dong Jianqiang: "Manager Dong, please answer this question."

Dong Jianqiang was incredibly excited. Finally, it was his turn! Yes, he loved teammates who could pass the ball!
"I don't know how the other party came to this conclusion. It's not that we don't make realistic films. Aren't films like 'Getting Home,' 'The Equation of Love and Death,' and 'Aftershock' all realistic films?"

We have indeed produced a lot of science fiction, horror, action, and suspense films, but they are not without social significance.

"2012" broke the box office record of "Titanic" and broke the curse that domestic films cannot beat foreign films. Does this count as social significance?
The high box office of our commercial films has promoted the development of domestic cinemas and indirectly contributed to the prosperity of the entire film market. Does this count as social significance?
Pacific Rim filled the gap in the field of science fiction films in China, and 2012 filled the gap in the field of disaster films in China. Does this count as social significance?
If you say we don't make art films, we admit that, but if you say our films have no social significance, we firmly deny that.

Dong Jianqiang, having finally gotten a chance to speak, knew to leave room for a follow-up. Sure enough, Chai Jing cooperatively asked, "Then why not make art films?"

"Because film is a popular art, our purpose in making films is to serve the majority of people and bring them joy, rather than to serve a small group of people and bring them spiritual satisfaction."

Dong Jianqiang left himself open to the question, waiting for the other party to ask, "What is a small group of people?" But this time, Chai Jing didn't take the bait.

Just kidding, a Saint Seiya can't be defeated twice by the same move.

Last time, it was just to give you face; don't act like you're the main character.

Chai Jing's question this time was directed at Zhang Chen: "Do you think there's a big gap between Chinese films and Hollywood films?"

"The gap is large, but not insurmountable. Look at the total box office in 2004 and the percentage of foreign films. Then look at this year's total box office and the percentage of foreign films. You can clearly see that the gap is narrowing, which proves that our film industry is progressing, and making significant progress..."

When do you think we can surpass Hollywood?

"It is almost impossible to surpass them in the short term."

Because film is a cultural industry, the extent of cultural dissemination is closely related to a country's overall strength.

Hollywood movies are able to dominate the world because the United States is the world's only superpower.

The "super" in "one superpower and many strong powers".

Based on its comprehensive national strength being the world's number one, its 11 aircraft carrier battle groups, and the fact that its culture can be understood and practiced worldwide.

This is actually easy to understand. If India were number one in the world, then everyone would think it would be normal for a dance scene to suddenly appear in a movie.
If Europe were number one in the world, then movie special effects wouldn't be so prevalent.

If Japan is number one in the world, then all women should go and film VA.
It's that simple.

Film consumption stems partly from cultural confidence, which in turn originates from military strength and overall national power.

Cultural worship is actually the worship of power.

Why is English the world's lingua franca instead of Chinese?
Why is the US dollar the world's most widely used currency instead of the Chinese yuan?

These are different fields from film, but the principles are the same.

If one day China becomes the world's number one power, then Chinese culture can also circulate freely throughout the world.

Chai Jing sighed, feeling that this scene was probably unusable and would likely have to be cut.

Why do you admire commercial films so much?

"It's the same principle as China Film Group's promotion of blockbusters, because such films can attract audiences to cinemas, cinemas make money, film companies make money, and the entire film industry will develop..."

Art films are niche, they are a luxury.

It makes it easier to win awards and achieve success, but it cannot help the film market prosper.

Why do I make science fiction films? Science fiction films are very complicated to make, not cost-effective, and require a lot of supporting industries...

In the time it takes to make one sci-fi film, I could even make two other types of movies.

Then why do something so thankless and exhausting?
Because I wanted to blaze a trail, I even compiled all the pitfalls I encountered into a book and shared it selflessly, with only one goal—to improve our country's overall film production capabilities.

"How do you say this?"

"It's very simple. The trend of film development has already been proven for us in the United States: it must be industrialized."

"industrialization?"

"Yes, the future of film is inevitably industrialization."

Why is Hollywood so powerful? Hollywood can easily outperform films from all other countries in the world because it has a complete film industry.

Apart from the United States, any country that wants to make high-quality science fiction or disaster films cannot avoid the United States.

The special effects technology is in their hands, and so are the distribution channels.

When we joined the WTO, domestic film festivals cried "wolf!" Why?
Because they knew they couldn't win.

Hong Kong cinema was once so glorious, but it was still brought down by "Jurassic Park".

Why? Because they know they can't replicate Jurassic Park.

Other movies can be copied; just write a similar script, find a group of people, and start filming.

But industrial films cannot replicate this.

You don't meet that requirement.

You can only watch helplessly as others erode your market.

Audiences don't care whether it's a domestic or foreign film; they only care whether it's entertaining or not.

"If we don't industrialize and just keep operating in small workshops, doing piecemeal work, then the film industry will eventually collapse."

"But there's a pessimistic view online that the United States is so great that it would be very difficult for China to catch up?"

"Where is America great?"

I attended a lecture in the United States, given by an American professor himself.

He cited some data:
The United States has the 7th highest literacy rate in the world.

Mathematics, 27th;

Science ranked 22nd;

Life expectancy: 49th

The infant mortality rate ranked 178th.

Middle-income families rank third;

Labor force ranked 4th;

Exports ranked 4th;

The United States topped the list in only three categories.

The proportion of the total population incarcerated, the number of adults who believe in angels, and defense spending.

Its defense spending exceeds the combined spending of the next 26 countries, 25 of which are allies. If you stop reading these figures, do you still think the United States is so great?

Actually, Chinese films are not bad by world standards. It's just that our people have a tendency to compare everything with the best in the world.

If you compare movies to Hollywood, precision manufacturing to Germany, and electronics to Japan, then of course you'll feel like you're inferior in every aspect.

But the country has actually been planning and quietly catching up all along. In recent years, it has begun to focus on the film industry, releasing various incentive policies. As a result, domestic films are visibly improving. For example, films like *Pacific Rim* and *2012* would be top-tier science fiction films even in Hollywood. Isn't that progress?

"So what do you think the others should do?"

"It's very simple, just learn from Star Entertainment."

We've already set an example for you, can't you even copy the homework?

The previous manual already explained how Pacific Rim was filmed, bit by bit.

I don't expect you to necessarily make science fiction films, but you should at least consider special effects technology.

Especially the director~
I know that many directors are unwilling to accept new technologies. For example, when Chen Shiren was filming "The Promise", Xiantao Digital complained that Director Chen didn't understand special effects at all.

Normally, special effects require the involvement of a visual effects supervisor during the shot design phase before filming begins. But Chen Shiren did everything based on his own assumptions. He filmed it the way he thought it should be, and only showed it to the visual effects company after filming was complete. When the visual effects company saw it, they realized it was impossible to achieve, and what was presented on the big screen in the end was a cheap, low-quality special effects...

The director profession requires learning cutting-edge technology. If everyone else is using new technologies and you don't, that's not called passion, that's called self-destruction.

Filmmakers must be aware of potential crises. Even though "Universe 1" and "2012" were box office successes, I knew they used American technology.

If one day they stop allowing its use, the door that domestic science fiction films have just opened will be closed.

What should I do?
We Chinese are the most knowledgeable about self-reliance.

Therefore, I specifically acquired four domestic special effects companies, integrated them, and founded 'Tiangong Yicai' special effects company.

The software, hardware, and workflow are all benchmarked against the world's top visual effects companies.

The special effects work for Pacific Rim 2 has been partially handed over to 'Amazing Design'.

I'd also like to give a quick plug here: Tiangong Yicai accepts orders from all sides. I can't guarantee the lowest price, but it's definitely the best value for money. Domestic prices, Hollywood quality—that's my promise!

With such a great opportunity as a CCTV interview, Zhang Chen would definitely take the opportunity to advertise; otherwise, what would be the point of the interview?
Dong Jianqiang, sensing the interview was nearing its end, made a desperate attempt to make his presence felt: "I also urge my domestic colleagues not to cling to art films, but to change their mindset, keep up with the times, and make films that the market likes."

(End of this chapter)