Huayu: As a child star, I just want to be famous

Chapter 497: Apology, DC Universe
Shi Xiaolong is different from others after all.

Whenever he takes sides, there will always be people who want to curry favor with the prince for Long Lin's sake.

In the following half month, the two sides truly showed signs of competing against each other.

And the contrast is very clear, basically one side is the mainland and the other side is Hong Kong Island.

The media and many concerned citizens see this as the second dispute over discourse power between the two places.

But this time, the big guys didn't say much.

The situation now is no longer the same as it was in the past. Hong Kong Island poses no threat at all, so it is enough for some new generation celebrities to express their opinions.

However, because Shi Xiaolong also came out to take sides, many people regarded it as Chen Linfeng's veiled statement.

Therefore, many bigwigs have asked their young artists to express their opinions on their behalf.

It's very neat, Huayi, Guangxian, Xiaoma Pentium, Haiyan... Each company has at least one artist to speak for Zhao Wenzhuo.

The momentum here in the mainland is growing.

The public opinion situation is also becoming increasingly unfavorable to Zhen Zidan.

According to some rumors, many mainland companies have begun to have doubts, which may affect Zhen Zidan's commercial value and future development.

By mid-March, Zhen Zidan gradually couldn't hold on any longer.

Afterwards, he began to find people to talk to in private, hoping to negotiate.

Someone actually came to Chen Linfeng's place to plead for him and said they would hold a banquet to apologize to him.

When he heard Shi Xiaolong talking to him about this on the phone, he couldn't help but sigh.

Hong Kong Island is no longer viable after all.

He didn’t have any deep feelings about his previous life, but in this life he has witnessed the glorious era of Hong Kong since he was a child.

Moreover, during the decade of the 00s, he also encountered many arrogant Hong Kong film and television practitioners.

Although no one gave him a cold shoulder, he noticed how other mainlanders treated them.

Now, with just a small change, the situation has become completely different from the previous life. How can we not sigh?

Of course, from the other side’s perspective, it may be more than just a slight change.

Director Chen is a real big shot in the industry, not to mention he is narrow-minded.

No one dares to take the risk, what if they really upset someone?

……

Chen Linfeng had no intention of pursuing the matter. In fact, it was Xiaolong himself who expressed his opinion from the beginning.

But no one believed his explanation (and they didn’t quite believe it, because Director Chen is so narrow-minded).

Now that someone wanted to negotiate peace, Chen Linfeng naturally followed suit.

It was only when he arrived at the place with Xiaolong that he felt something was wrong.

"Brother Fang Long, why are you here?"

"I'm the one who was asked to come and talk to you."

Fang Long smiled and asked him to sit down. "Everyone else feels that their status is not equal to theirs, so I can only reluctantly act as a peacemaker."

"Brother, what you said left me speechless."

"Xiao Long is here too. The movie you shot recently is really good. I'll watch it. I'll depend on you for action movies in the future."

"Brother Fang Long, you are joking. In front of you, my little things are not worth mentioning."

"Director Chen, Xiaolong, good morning."

Zhen Zidan's expression was calm, but after experiencing something like this, he certainly couldn't be happy, so he seemed quite calm.

"Brother Shan, good morning." Shi Xiaolong replied.

Chen Linfeng smiled at him and said nothing more.

Everyone exchanged a few pleasantries and then sat down.

There were only Fang Long, Zhen Zidan, him and Shi Xiaolong present. There was no one else.

After all, it is a matter of apologizing and admitting defeat, and it is a matter of saving face, so the fewer people involved, the better.

But this apology is a bit difficult because the two brothers had nothing to do with the matter at all.

But there's nothing we can do about it, the world is just so weird.

Chen Linfeng looked at Zhen Zidan, who was standing next to Fang Long with his head down and silent, and felt that this person was quite unlucky.

He now also knew the dispute between Zhen and Zhao and the things behind it.

The problems with the production company of their crew are even bigger.

He is not a veteran in the industry, but he is bold and wants to learn from Jiang Wen's tricks.

First, Yang Kun was invited, and then Fang Long’s guest appearance was invited through Yang Kun. Then, Sun Honglei was invited under the title of Fang Long’s producer.

Afterwards, he forged a contract in which Zhen Zidan had joined, in order to attract Jing Tian.

Then Fang Long was appointed as the producer to attract Zhen Zidan.

Others only do one round at most, but he keeps cheating, which shows that he is a talented person.

As expected, the incident went to pieces and the truth was revealed, leaving Zhen Zidan alone.

Zhen Zidan stayed because of the benefits, he became the producer of the crew.

In the end, he pulled Zhao Wenzhuo into the group, which was a good thing.

But he also felt that he had more power and changed the script without informing others, which eventually led to a breakdown.

In fact, it is common for big-name stars to change the script, and it is not necessarily wrong to say that the changes are made.

This is just how the game works in the crew. You always have to consider many aspects, including the status and personality traits of both parties, and you can’t force it.

Even though Chen Linfeng doesn't like people changing the script, if he encounters someone of Leo's level and has different opinions, he will take them seriously.

Obviously, Zhen Zidan seemed to have gone too far.

But there is no point in saying all this.

The winner takes it all. Zhen Zidan can't bear it anymore and can only admit defeat.

After the food and wine were served, Fang Long talked about Zhen Zidan's story.

“Regarding this matter, I am here to speak for Zhen Zidan. The film crew really went too far.

Of course, Zidan also did something wrong, so today I hope you can forgive him for my sake."

Zhen Zidan stood up and said, "Director Chen, I was too impulsive and caused such a big disturbance. I hope you don't mind."

After saying that, he drank three cups in a row to show his sincerity.

Chen Linfeng waved his hand, "Hey, it's nothing, I won't worry about it."

At this time, it would be inappropriate to say something like “I don’t actually mean to interfere, it’s all Xiaolong’s fault.”

Just consider it as forgiveness.

Zhen Zidan breathed a sigh of relief and did it again with Xiaolong.

Shi Xiaolong followed suit and quickly completed the process.

He felt a little empathetic. For an action star to reach Zhen Zidan's position, it was actually quite impressive.

In the end, there is still a day to apologize to people.

This made him feel a little bit sympathetic towards his own kind.

The matter of apology has been settled, and Chen Linfeng thought that all that was left was to chat and it would be over.

I didn't expect Fang Long to act like this again.

While he was eating, he let out a long sigh, looking very speechless.

Chen Linfeng cooperated with his performance and asked, "Brother Fang Long, are you worried about something?"

“Well, yes, it’s been more than two years since I filmed Taken with you.

In the past two years, I have been shooting other dramas, but they are just boring.”

"Xiao Chen, do you think I still have a chance to act in the second part?"

Chen Linfeng was speechless. If I wanted to ask you when the second part would be filmed, why didn’t you just tell me? Why did you insist on acting out this one?

He said helplessly, "I would like to shoot, but my plans for this year are all lined up, so I probably won't have time."

Fang Long was really upset now. "What should I do? I don't think I really have to wait until next year."

"You also said that releasing a series of films every two years is a good frequency. It's been almost two years since this one was released."

Chen Linfeng thought so too. The first film was shot in 09, and it has been almost 3 years now. It is indeed a bit long.

However, I really can't find the time, so let Cheng Er do it.

This tool is really useful.

When Chen Linfeng expressed his idea, Fang Long became a little hesitant.

Can the film still be made well without director Chen Linfeng?
He does know the producer model that is popular in Hollywood, but whether it can still work well when it comes to domestic directors and producers is really an unknown.

"Can't you direct it yourself?"

Chen Linfeng said with difficulty, "I really can't arrange the time."

"How about this, during the filming, I'll visit the crew more often and make timely adjustments if there are any problems."

He served as the supervisor, producer, and screenwriter, and would often inquire about the progress and check the content that had been filmed during the filming process.

The final editing was entirely up to him.

We have been able to ensure to the greatest extent possible that the final film does not go out of tune and is in line with the style of the previous work.

Fang Long finally agreed reluctantly.

Cheng Er has been famous for some time in recent years, and Fang Long just cared too much about him at the beginning and was a little unstable.

Yes, the previous film grossed over 5 million worldwide, which is definitely a masterpiece of his career and a work that marks the highest achievement of his life.

Who wouldn't care?

Zhen Zidan was envious when he saw the two bosses reaching a consensus.

Thinking about himself, he didn't know how far-reaching the impact of this experience would be.

……

The dispute between Zhen Zidan and Zhao Wenzhuo ended with a major defeat for Hong Kong Island as a whole.

It was originally just a matter between two people, but it was forcibly turned into a confrontation between two camps.

In the end, he couldn't win the fight and ended up embarrassing himself in vain.

Taiwan's film and television circles watched the development of the incident from beginning to end.

They felt like they had become the monkey that had been warned, and they were actually quite dissatisfied in their hearts.

This is too much. They don't even give me any face.

The target of secret condemnation was Zhao Wenzhuo.

There is no way. The big boss hidden behind the scenes is not to be provoked and is also narrow-minded.

Of course, everyone picks on the weak.

These rumors have also spread to some extent to the circles in the mainland.

Many people sighed, not expecting it to be a lose-lose situation.

In the foreseeable future, Zhao Wenzhuo will definitely be greatly affected by this.

When he was interviewed on TV, he said that even if he no longer worked in this field, he would still tell the story.

Now it seems that I am indeed mentally prepared.

As an outsider in his previous life, Chen Linfeng wondered whether there were any compromises or deals hidden in the dark like in his current life.

But judging from subsequent developments, Zhao Wenzhuo undoubtedly suffered a greater loss.

So he thought that the current results were pretty good.

A double loss is better than a single win.

Besides, even if Hong Kong and Taiwan secretly boycott in the future, there will always be circles in the mainland.

At least his Qilin system definitely wouldn't mind using Zhao Wenzhuo.

Since in the eyes of everyone, he stood with Zhao Wenzhuo, he might as well stand with him to the end.

Otherwise, Zhao Wenzhuo would be in a mess and he would be the one who lost face.

At a certain level, face and substance are equally important.

Chen Linfeng had to take it seriously. Shi Xiaolong was more direct. He decided to find Zhao Wenzhuo to collaborate on the next movie.

We had already made a reservation and would look for him for cooperation later, but now we might as well bring it forward.

……

Liu Xixi went to Emily Ken in February to star in the new season of "The Walking Dead".

He hasn't come back yet.

Chen Linfeng happened to be there on business, and by the way he went to Georgia to find his wife.

in the hotel.

Liu Qianqian curiously asked about the dispute between two domestic action stars.

When she went abroad, the melons in the melon field were still the Stabbing Incident.

Unexpectedly, not long after arriving in Emily Ken, I heard that other big things had happened in the domestic entertainment industry.

On the United States side, she had only heard bits and pieces of information, and the information she knew was not true.

Now, after listening to Chen Linfeng's explanation of the whole story, I was very surprised.

"Wow, you can accept apology from others like the big guys in the movies?"

"There's nothing strange about this."

Liu Qianqian looked at him back and forth, "I don't see how you look like a big boss."

Chen Linfeng squinted his eyes, "That's because you have poor eyesight. If I get angry now, the consequences will be serious, so why don't you be careful and serve me."

"Humph!" Liu Qianqian wrinkled her nose fiercely. "You wish for it. I won't serve you."

"How dare you disobey the boss? You should be punished!"

The two of them were actually very close to each other now.

A dangerous look flashed in Chen Linfeng's eyes.

Liu Qianqian realized instantly that her current position seemed a little unsafe.

She wanted to retreat, but it was too late.

Chen Linfeng stretched out his hand, pulled her in, picked her up and threw her onto the bed.

A strange "hehehe" laughter came from his mouth.

Not only did he touch her all over, but he also slapped her round and plump body from time to time, fulfilling his promise of "punishment".

After a while, Liu Qianqian lay motionless in his arms with a rosy face.

A little farewell is better than a wedding.

Chen Linfeng carefully guided Xixi and helped her understand the ways and methods of the unspoken rules.

Liu Qianqian said that she would remember it deeply and reflect deeply on it.

The teaching work continued until late at night, and by the end Xixi was so sleepy that she couldn't stand it anymore.

Chen Linfeng was a little tired at this time and finally let her go.

……

While in Georgia, Chen Linfeng stopped by to visit the crew of "The Walking Dead".

He was still a little worried that Xixi would be bullied, so he wanted to help.

However, when I arrived at the crew, I found that these actors were more well-behaved and obedient than each other.

Even when facing Liu Qianqian, he treated her like a big sister.

Only then did he realize that Sissi was, after all, an internationally renowned film actress.

Half of "Your Name" is attributed to her.

Even though these actors from "The Walking Dead" became famous because of the TV series, they are still inferior to the top movie stars.

What's more, Liu Qianqian came here because of connections, and the director had warned her at the beginning.

The people in the United States with connections are different from those in China. They don’t discriminate against this.

Players with particularly strong connections will be treated as additional potential resources.

As for how he knew this.

The director doesn't want his efforts to be buried, so he gives hints and reminders overtly and covertly.

Chen Linfeng could only smile and express his gratitude, and regard it as a small favor.

It won’t work for big things, but when the director creates a new work in the future, it’s still possible to help out and make up the numbers.

It’s just that these people really don’t hide anything, it’s a bit too straightforward.

Alex had only been in Georgia for three or four days when he called several times to urge us to move forward.

He had no choice but to fly to Los Angeles.

The main purpose of coming to Emily Ken this time is to release the novel and the new movie.

And both of these things are related to Time Warner.

Speaking of Time Warner, this company is really quite particular.

Since he confirmed his cooperation with Warner last year, Time Magazine's treatment of him has increased significantly.

Whether it is literary publications or film and television, Chen Linfeng's name appears on various lists of Time Magazine.

Although it happened before, the frequency was completely different.

Moreover, the rankings of various lists that have been entered before have often improved significantly.

Of course, it can also be said that this is the result of Chen Linfeng’s own outstanding achievements last year.

After all, the film and television adaptation of "Infinite World" has been a huge success. As the original author of the novel, it is only natural that there have been improvements in all aspects.

"Your Name" is also movie related.

There are tangible and hard results in both aspects.

However, Chen Linfeng does not think that this is the whole reason.

Just look at the influence ranking given by Time Magazine at the beginning of the year.

In the past, he won an Oscar for "Sunset" and "Taken", but the two combined were not as strong as last year's.

It can be said that the increase in his influence last year due to the improvement of media resources was more important than his own efforts.

Chen Linfeng used to be known only by his name, but now everyone knows his face.

It was just because he signed a contract with Time Warner and stimulated a Class A publicity and promotion resource package.

This may be the way things are played in the United States.

From this point of view, Disney's media publicity capabilities are indeed not as good as those of Time Warner, which comes from professional media backgrounds.

Chen Linfeng now has a deep understanding of this.

In order to promote his new book "Lord of Mysteries", he can see a lot of related discussions on the Internet.

The first novel hasn’t even been officially released yet.

Some people have already been speculating about the story setting of the novel, based solely on some setting drawings and character pictures released by the official.

These pictures were originally Chen Linfeng's idea.

There are indeed many abstract or interesting settings in "Lord of Mysteries". If you watch them together with pictures, the experience should be greatly improved.

Therefore, Warner Bros. specially hired an artist to design and draw pictures based on the content of the novel and his ideas.

The overall effect is not like the style of the two-dimensional world, but has more of the professional and serious feeling of a physical book.

At Chen Linfeng's request, she also added some beauty touches.

The protagonist Zhou Mingrui's initial appearance was even based on his real appearance, with slight changes.

This is another of Chen Linfeng’s own little private matters.

……

"Chen, let me introduce you. This is Walter Hamada, who is mainly responsible for the business of DC Films."

Alex introduced him to an Asian man.

As soon as Chen Linfeng heard the name, he knew that the person opposite was probably having a small life.

"Hello, Mr. Walter."

"Chen, I am your loyal fan. I have liked reading your novels since I read Destiny."

Walter Hamada seemed very kind.

In addition to Walter Hamada, Alex also introduced another person who is also one of the leaders of DC and is in charge of the creative direction, named Jeff Johns.

Chen Linfeng knew this person, one of the key figures in the creation of DC comics.

Novels and comics are both about telling stories, so sometimes the distinction is not that far apart.

He had heard of this person's name through some channels, but he didn't know what he was here for.

After exchanging greetings, they sat down.

The purpose of Chen Linfeng's visit this time had already been discussed with them through Sister Mei.

Sister Mei took out a few scripts from her bag and distributed them to everyone present.

There are no particularly detailed story details, only an outline.

The people from DC couldn't help but frown as soon as they saw it.

This story is equivalent to a complete distortion of the Joker's origin story.

The Joker in DC Comics has his facial nerves distorted by chemicals.

There isn't a lot of early story either.

His behavior is more like that of an illogical madman, rather than the embodiment of the rebellious spirit in this story.

Jeff Jones even extended this setting further.

If the subsequent story is developed based on this origin, the entire Batman part involving the Joker will also undergo major changes.

For a moment, he couldn't tell whether this change was good or bad.

"Chen, your adaptation of this story is quite bold, but the changes are too big."

“Mr Jones, it is true, but that’s what I think.

If you find it difficult, I think you can just do it like "The Dark Knight", just treat it as an independent story and not add it to the DC universe.

That way it won’t have much of an impact, right?”

Now, several DC managers didn't just frown, but looked grim.

Walter Hamada said, “Chen, we started to regret it after the appearance of Iron Man, so don’t talk about independence.”

"The Dark Knight" has such a high box office and such a large audience.

If the setting had been connected to the DC Universe from the beginning, as a starting story like "Iron Man", they wouldn't have to be in such a difficult situation now.

Now I feel sad when I think about it.

Chen Linfeng felt bad.

The wrong timing of its appearance gave Warner and DC extra fantasies.

He explained seriously, "This story is what I wanted to shoot. The DC Joker is the protagonist only because he is famous enough and for box office considerations. Therefore, changing the underlying tone is unacceptable to me."

After he said this, everyone in DC couldn't help but feel a headache.

Another Christopher Nolan!

Sure enough, all great directors and screenwriters have such ideas.

Nolan played with darkness in Batman, and Chen used class narrative in the Joker.

As expected of Chinese people, their thoughts naturally tend to lean in this direction.

Walter Hamada smiled bitterly and said, “Chen, you are making it very difficult for us.”

The failure of "Green Lantern", the movie that opened the DC Universe, has caused these DC executives to lose their hair.

Now he heard that a well-known director wanted to shoot a DC superhero story, and he was happy.

Unexpectedly, they were attracted by the clown.

I think we are the clowns.

Especially the story is not "American comic" at all. Overall, it even feels more like an art film than a commercial movie.

Are you really not here to cause trouble?
He even thought that he might as well just ruin this cooperation.

(End of this chapter)