Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 627 Interview with Dou Wentao

The town of Wuzhen is brightly lit at night, as the first season of "Running Man" is about to begin filming.

Since the goal was to gain recognition, the production team naturally chose a well-known landmark, and the first stop was Wuzhen, Zhejiang.

With the backing of Star Entertainment, the Wuzhen management office readily closed off a portion of Wuzhen for film crews to shoot, of course, at night when there were few tourists.

The original lineup remained largely unchanged: Deng Chao, Li Chen, Wang Baoqiang, and Zheng Kai. Chen He was replaced by Shen Teng, and Yang Tianbao was replaced by Janice Man.

The Korean PD went over the procedures with everyone one last time, but everyone unconsciously kept glancing towards the entrance, as they heard that a big shot was coming today.

"Everyone, take a break and try to get into the best condition. We'll turn on the machine when the others arrive."

The PD's original intention was to give instructions, but it only further piqued everyone's curiosity. Deng Chao couldn't help but ask, "PD Cui, can you tell us who's coming later?"

PD Choi is Choi Ji-yeon. Upon hearing Deng Chao's question, she shrugged and said, "I don't know either. I only know that your director Zhang Chen personally went to pick her up at the airport."

wow~
The people around, who had been listening intently, all gasped in surprise.

Strictly speaking, they were all invited by Zhang Chen, but there are different kinds of invitations. They know their own situation and how they got into the show.

Shen Teng, a restless person, couldn't help but ask, "Everyone, how did you all get on this show?"

Everyone looked at each other with curiosity, but no one spoke first, waiting for the other to speak first.

Strictly speaking, we've only known each other for a few days. Although there have been some ice-breaking activities, we're not that close yet.

Seeing this, Shen Teng simply introduced himself: "I'll go first. Director Zhang personally called me and said there was a show that would be perfect for me, so I came running over here!"

At that time, Shen Teng was actually a pillar of Happy Twist, and very important.

But Zhang Chen made a phone call and he came.

He and Zhang Chen met through the Spring Festival Gala. He had a program on the Gala, and Zhao Benshan, as the person in charge of the comedy program, gave him guidance. Zhang Chen went to visit Zhao Benshan on set, and that's how they got to know each other.

He was just an acquaintance; he never expected Zhang Chen to suddenly call him and invite him out.

Seeing that someone had spoken up, Deng Chao chimed in, "Director Zhang called me here too. He said he wanted me to be a regular guest on a show, and I agreed without even asking what the show was!"

Deng Chao acted in a film for Star Entertainment and knew Zhang Chen.

As soon as the two of them spoke, everyone looked on with envy.

These two were actually invited by Zhang Chen himself via phone call.

At this moment, Wang Baoqiang's signature voice rang out: "Me too. I was having dinner with Director Zhang once, and he said we might work together in the future. I thought he was just being polite, but it turned out to be true. Not long after, I received a call from him!"

Upon hearing Wang Baoqiang's words, everyone stared wide-eyed once again. This guy was even more remarkable; he could even have dinner with Zhang Chen.

Janice Man's Mandarin had improved considerably by this time: "I'm different from you guys. I received a call from our CEO Chen Xi, who said that Director Zhang specifically requested me to participate in a program, so I came~"

hiss~
This caused quite a stir among everyone.

Zhang Chen personally selected him?

Everyone's gaze towards Janice Man changed. Looking at her appearance, could she be Director Zhang's mistress?
Everyone tacitly avoided thinking about it further.

At this point, the remaining two were embarrassed. Li Chen and Zheng Kai looked at each other and asked, "Did Director Zhang make the calls personally?"

Finally, Zheng Kai spoke first, scratching his head: "I don't have your impressive background. I know Director Zhang, but I doubt he knows me. I just got a call from Star Entertainment saying my image is suitable for a show, so I came."

The group exchanged puzzled glances, and Deng Chao asked, "Do you know any other high-ranking executives at Starry Sky Entertainment?"

Zheng Kai was even more puzzled than him: "I don't know him."

"Are you from Beijing Film Academy?"

Zhang Chen is known for taking care of his junior brothers and sisters, and seeing how young Zheng Kai is, some people couldn't help but think in that direction.

"No, I'm from the Shanghai Theatre Academy. I just graduated this year. Before that, I only acted in one movie and one TV series."

When talking about his resume, Zheng Kai was a little embarrassed. Compared with the people opposite him, his movies and TV series were really nothing to brag about, and he was even embarrassed to mention his name.

Now everyone was puzzled. How could a complete newcomer with no background appear on this show?

Some people immediately understood, assuming that Zheng Kai was unwilling to reveal more.

Seeing everyone's eyes on him, Li Chen knew it was his turn. He was a little embarrassed: "Like Zheng Kai, I also came here after receiving a call from the production team."

Everyone gave him an "oh" look; they'd be a fool to believe him.

Wang Baoqiang wondered, "Is our show really that important? How come so many of the members were personally invited by Director Zhang? He's such a big star..."

Deng Chao said in a low voice, "It seems quite important indeed."

He gestured with his chin: "Those Korean PDs over there, I heard Manager Dong personally went to Korea to poach them..."

hiss~
As they started gossiping, the group unconsciously huddled together even closer.

Not far away, several Korean PDs from the production team noticed the group whispering together, and Choi Ji-yeon couldn't help but ask, "What are those guys talking about?"

Park Min-cheol shook his head: "I don't know. Even if they stood in front of me and spoke to me, I wouldn't understand. I don't understand Chinese."

Kim Taehyung: "I bet they're trying to figure out the identity of the mysterious person~"

After saying that, he looked at the two of them and asked, "You two really don't know the identity of the mysterious person?"

Park Min-cheol and Choi Ji-yeon shook their heads: "I don't know, but someone who can get Director Zhang to pick them up personally must not be an ordinary person."

Choi Ji-yeon continued, "As a villain, the Bell Messenger could easily provoke the guests, so it's best if this person is someone of high status to keep things under control. I originally suggested that Zhang Chen take on the role himself, but he said he couldn't, although he would invite a big shot. I asked him who it was, but he wouldn't say."

Kim Taehyung added, "Our boss has a wide circle of friends. Maybe he'll bring in a foreign celebrity? Isn't he supposed to be close to Tom Cruise? I'm actually kind of looking forward to it!"

Park Min-cheol replied, "Don't get your hopes up, it seems they've arrived."

Everyone looked in his direction and saw several car lights gradually approaching in the distance. Their destination was clear: their location.

"It seems so~"

As the car lights approached, everyone looked toward the entrance, and several PDs and guests went to greet them.

The car stopped, and Zhang Chen was the first to get out.

"Boss~"

Everyone stepped forward to greet him, and Zhang Chen waved his hand, saying, "I've brought the person back for you; he'll definitely meet your requirements."

As he spoke, Zhang Chen pointed to the car door, and the person opened the door himself, and a familiar figure got out of the car.

"Jackie Chen~" the three Koreans shouted in unison.

"Brother Cheng Long" is how the Chinese address him.

The Bell Messenger is actually Jackie Chan?

Jackie Chan rarely appears on variety shows, so it's surprising that Zhang Chen was able to invite him.

Three PD surprises from South Korea.

But upon closer reflection, it seems normal. The two had worked together on "2012," for which Jackie Chan won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. Jackie Chan might not give face to others, but he definitely had to give face to Zhang Chen.

"Hello everyone~"

Jackie Chan still maintained his friendly demeanor, smiling and waving to everyone.

The crew of several hundred people gathered around him like fans.

The six guests finally understood why Zhang Chen personally went to pick them up at the airport; it turned out to be Uncle Long.

"Deng Chao, Li Chen, Wang Baoqiang, Zheng Kai, Shen Teng, Janice Man, what are you waiting for...?"

Zhang Chen called out, and the six people whose names were called were honored, especially Zheng Kai. "Did I hear that right? Director Zhang actually knows me?"

The six men came up to greet Cheng Long, who said, "I've already checked the procedures. I'm the Bell Messenger, and I won't hold back later!"

The six men were sweating profusely. They looked at each other, wondering if they were going to tear off name tags with Jackie Chan.
That seems quite difficult.

Half an hour later, the recording of the program began, and the night in Wuzhen suddenly became lively. Zhang Chen found an office to prepare for an interview with PPTV.

He spent a month in the United States and reached a cooperation agreement with Mission: Impossible 4. After finally returning to China, he received countless interview invitations from media outlets, but Zhang Chen will definitely prioritize taking care of his family.

To accommodate Zhang Chen's schedule, PPTV specially sent a team over, and the lighting equipment and other supplies were readily available.

Zhang Chen sat down on the sofa. This was a PPTV special program, and the person in charge of interviewing him was Dou Wentao, who was an old acquaintance.

Dou Wentao, holding a recorder and still wearing his black-rimmed glasses, smiled and began to ask questions: "Can we confirm this time that Tom Cruise's appearance at the premiere of 'Train to Busan' was to discuss a collaboration?"

Zhang Chen nodded: "Yes, actually Tom Cruise talked to me once before, but I was busy with Inception at the time, so I declined."

But I shared some of my personal thoughts on the Mission: Impossible series with him, such as how to break away from the traditional spy film framework. He was very interested, and then he came over with people from Paramount. After several rounds of communication, the collaboration was basically finalized.

"Could you elaborate?" Dou Wentao leaned forward, his tone full of curiosity.

"Actually, we just made some changes~"

Zhang Chen made a gesture in the air with his finger. "In the previous installments, Ethan Hunt was more like an omnipotent superhero, but not this time. He needs to become the team leader."

Missions are no longer about going it alone, but about teamwork and each person doing their job.

Then remove the unnecessary romantic scenes.

The producers were very impressed after reading my script outline. They said that these changes would actually make the characters more vivid and breathe new life into the series.

"Is there anything else?"

"Hmm~"

Zhang Chen thought for a moment: "Mission: Impossible 4 will have a crossover with Taken~"

"Mission: Impossible 4 and Taken are linked?"

Even Dou Wentao's eyes lit up.

"Tell me more about it~"

However, Zhang Chen shrugged: "I can't go into details, that's all I can reveal. We signed a confidentiality agreement."

"Okay, let's talk about something else, like the female lead. There's a rumor online that you got to decide who would be the female lead in Mission: Impossible 4. Is that true?"

Zhang Chen smiled and shrugged: "I guess so. According to my agreement with Paramount, I do have the right to decide on the female lead, but it's not as exaggerated as you might think. The female lead definitely needs to be approved by everyone."

Will Lily Collins be the female lead?

"Why do you ask?"

"Everyone online is saying you two are dating!"

Zhang Chen shook his head: "That was just a publicity stunt. We're friends. Lily happened to have a movie coming out around that time, and Warner Bros. wanted to use us to generate buzz, so I helped out."

"really not?"

"No, I probably wouldn't date a foreigner."

"why?"

"Because my mom made it clear to me that my future girlfriend must be Chinese."

"Haha, so even a great director gets managed by his mom."

"Of course! Every time I go home, I have to wash the dishes after dinner too!"

Zhang Chen seemed very relaxed. This was his own show, and even if he said something inappropriate, it could be edited out later.

Will I be pressured to get married?

"Yes, but I'm not looking for a girlfriend anytime soon."

"why?"

"I'm too busy, I have so many things to do: movies, variety shows, and oh right, I even wrote a script for Uncle Benshan for this year's Spring Festival Gala, I might even perform in it myself. I simply don't have time for dating..."

Zhang Chen counted them one by one on his fingers, but what he was thinking was, how could I give up an entire forest for one tree?

"Can I ask some pointed questions?" Dou Wentao suddenly perked up, and a wicked glint flashed in Xiaodoudou's eyes.

"Of course, but I can't guarantee I'll answer."

The two are old friends, and he can tell what the other is planning to do at a glance. But as he said before, this is his own program, and he decides how to edit it.

"You've been in the US for so long and had the power to decide the female lead in Mission: Impossible 4. Are there many people who want to get the role through improper means?"

You mean the unspoken rules?

"Correct."

"Of course there are many."

Zhang Chen doesn't shy away from these things at all. After all, it's a TV show, and it's an online interview program, so the scale is bound to be a bit larger.

Do you know the center of the Highlands?

Dou Wentao nodded: "I know, it's where the Oscars are held."

"In the heart of the Highlands stands a large bed made of cement, with the inscription 'the road to Hollywood - howsomeofusgothere' carved at the foot of the bed. This bed is considered a satire of Hollywood's 'couch auditions' and other unspoken rules, but it also reflects the prevalence of such practices..."

"So you've adapted to local customs?"

"No, I refused them all."

"why?"

"Mission: Impossible 4 is a super A blockbuster with a budget of $1.4 million. The female lead for such a project usually goes through several rounds of auditions before being selected. You think you can just sleep with someone and get the role? That's a complete fantasy. No director or producer would dare to do that. With $1.4 million in the picture, no matter how much you want to, you have to keep your pants down..."

Many people think they can land an important role just by sleeping, but that shows a complete lack of understanding.

A film involves a huge amount of money and many relationships. There are many intricacies involved. Even if it's an unspoken rule, you at least need to know who you're sleeping with to make it effective.

Many people think that sleeping with a director is all it takes to climb the ladder, but that's not true at all. Often, directors are just employees with no real power!

"Then why are there still so many legends about the red sofa in Hollywood?"

"Those are all low- to medium-budget films, thirty to fifty million US dollars, or even less than ten million. Also, it could be the North American independent film circle, that circle is very chaotic. Sleeping together is like greeting someone. There's no need for a red sofa. You just need to look at the other person's chest a couple of times, and they'll be in your hotel room that night, regardless of gender..."

"Haha~"

Zhang Chen got carried away with his speech, so this part will most likely have to be censored, at least the last sentence.

Dou Wentao also realized that he couldn't continue this topic, so he changed to a new one.

"Is it true that you're planning to immigrate, as some online sources say?"

Zhang Chen was taken aback: "When did I start planning to immigrate?"

"Netizens say that those who make it in the film and television industry eventually immigrate, like Gong Li and Jet Li..."

Zhang Chen shook his head: "I won't. I don't know why they immigrate, but I definitely won't. I've only just made a name for myself in China, why would I go abroad to be a second-class citizen?"

"Wouldn't it be better to go abroad?"

"Of course it's bad. The food is unpalatable, there are communication barriers, the culture isn't accepted, and most importantly, I can't even find a place to get a cup of hot water..."

To be honest, all my friends are in China, my career is in China, and my success is thanks to the Chinese audience, so I will definitely not immigrate. I'd rather stay in China than give up..."

Regarding immigration, Zhang Chen must clearly express his stance to avoid being swayed by others.

The two chatted about Hollywood for more than half an hour, mostly about Zhang Chen's real experiences.

Dou Wentao was probably warned not to keep asking these kinds of questions, so he finally asked some serious ones.

Is there a big difference between special effects technology in China and abroad?

Zhang Chen looked thoughtful: "Big, but not big!"

For example, my company, Tiangong Yicai, should be ranked first in China in terms of technical level. I have integrated several domestic special effects companies and poached an entire team from Industrial Light & Magic. If we're talking about special effects technology, I can confidently say that Tiangong Yicai's level is no worse than that of top Hollywood special effects companies..."

"Are our special effects really that good?"

"Of course, among the people I recruited from abroad were the production teams of Pacific Rim, 2012 and Gravity."

Tiangong Yicai currently has more than 300 technical personnel, half of whom have overseas work experience. In terms of technical reserves and creative ability, we are not much worse than Hollywood.

Pacific Rim had over 800 special effects shots, 2012 had over 1100, and Gravity had over 1300 – all of these were real special effects shots…

Let me also talk about our equipment. Our special effects software and the hardware used by our photography team are all on par with those used globally.

We use what Hollywood uses.

The only weakness may be the industrial ecosystem. They have a mature upstream and downstream industrial chain, while we are still slowly building our own. But I believe that we will definitely catch up in less than five years.

The gap is large because, apart from us, other companies in China can only do second-rate special effects at best. We definitely need to catch up. When they can take on major special effects work for Hollywood A-list projects like Tiangong Yicai, then they'll be qualified.

After saying all that, Zhang Chen also made an announcement that Tiangong Yicai had won the special effects work for Mission: Impossible 4. However, there was nothing to brag about. Mission: Impossible 4 is an action movie, and Chinese teams are already very strong in the field of action movies.

The interview concluded with a question about the female lead in Mission: Impossible 4: "Everyone is very interested in who will play the female lead. Have you identified a candidate yet?"

“There are a few potential candidates,” Zhang Chen said with a smile, without revealing specific names. “There are Hollywood actors and domestic actresses, each with their own strengths. However, everything will have to wait until after the auditions to be finalized. After all, the fit between the actor and the role is the most important thing. I don’t want to affect the final result of the film by deciding on the casting in advance.”

……

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(End of this chapter)