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

Chapter 603 Who can withstand this?

On February 15, the Academy held the Academy Awards ceremony for Scientific and Technical Achievement.

This is a purely technical awards ceremony, and it's generally not something that ordinary people pay much attention to.

Actually, not many people in the industry pay attention to this, as can be seen from the guests present; there were almost no big names.

Looking up, he saw a group of engineering students, making Chen Linfeng seem somewhat out of place.

In his previous life, he had hardly ever heard of this award; at most, he only paid attention to the Oscars, which were about two weeks later.

However, as professional filmmakers today, our focus is different.

The awards presented at this ceremony are often for the latest technologies and processes in the industry that have the most profound impact on the development of film.

The Flying-Cam SARAH 3.0 system, which won an academic medal for science and engineering, can be summarized as an aerial photography technology.

It can capture shots that are impossible with full-size helicopters, cable systems, or other traditional camera support equipment.

Over the past two years, Hollywood films have been experimenting with related technologies, and the current 3.0 version is the latest generation of technology.

As a director who wants to keep improving, you must pay attention to the most advanced technologies in the industry.

Not only him, but he also pulled other behind-the-scenes staff members of the crew together.

You know what, it’s quite useful.

At least Cao Yu kept muttering to himself after seeing this, saying that he would try to make a short film about it when he got back.

The day after the awards ceremony, on the 16th, Chen Linfeng's schedule reached its climax—a meeting with Spielberg.

The location was chosen at Spielberg's private estate on the Malibu coast.

The old guy truly lives up to his reputation as a director who has been famous for decades; he must have made a lot of money.

This estate is located in a county under the jurisdiction of Los Angeles, near the sea, surrounded by luxury homes.

Just talking about it might not give you a real sense of it. If you've seen Marvel movies, you'll know that Tony Stark's house in the Iron Man series was modeled after the mansion on Malibu Beach, and then animated.

Standing in the courtyard of the manor and looking out, you can see the waves crashing against the rocks, and the wind blowing in your face carries the unique salty and damp smell of the sea.

When Chen Linfeng and Xixi arrived, Spielberg personally greeted them at the door, and he seemed to be all smiles.

"Chen, CC, welcome."

His wife, Kate Capshaw, also warmly greeted Sissi, and the two women quickly sat down to chat about women's topics.

Chen Linfeng then followed Spielberg to his study.

The layout here is similar to his home in Yanjing, with a special display case for trophies.

Chen Linfeng strolled over to take a look with great interest.

There are trophies, certificates, and a variety of other items, but in the very center are several small golden statues.

The plaque above the base of the Oscar statuette is engraved with information such as the year, film, and award category.

Among them, the most eye-catching are the films "Saving Private Ryan" and "Schindler's List".

One film won Best Director, while the other won both Best Director and Best Picture.

Chen Linfeng raised an eyebrow, which reminded him of himself.

“That was a long time ago. I think you’ll surpass me soon,” Spielberg said, standing next to him.

“I’m not as optimistic as you, Mr. Steven.”

“I was quite hopeful for this year’s Oscars, but as things stand—” Chen Linfeng shook his head, “it’s still too early to tell who will win.”

"We might end up empty-handed."

"No, with 11 nominations, it can't possibly be like what you're saying."

That's not necessarily true; what if someone doesn't have martial ethics?

Chen Linfeng thought to himself, "In my previous life, 'The Beautiful Country Scam' received 10 nominations but still won nothing."

The two only briefly touched on the topic of the Oscars before quickly changing the subject.

"Chen, I must say, your 'Joker' impressed me deeply; it was very bold."

Spielberg led him to the sofa area next to the floor-to-ceiling windows facing the sea.

"It touched one of the most sensitive nerves of our time."

"This reminds me of when I first started out. I also loved new themes and fresh stories back then."

Unfortunately, as people get older, they tend to become more conservative without realizing it. Nowadays, I can no longer bring myself to film such cutting-edge topics.

“You flatter me. I was just trying to tell a story about the alienation of individuals in a distorted society. I even think I described it too bluntly.”

Many directors have actually made similar films that address social issues.

However, the old-school directors often think of filming it as darkly as possible, believing that this will create a certain charm.

A typical example is Jiang Wen, who was influenced by Western film masters in terms of technique and thus developed this habit.

Chen Linfeng knew what this group of people liked, and therefore he was quite self-aware.

"Perhaps it is a bit obvious, but judging from the box office, the public's acceptance is very high, isn't it?"

Spielberg is one of the directors who can successfully combine art and commerce, and from that perspective, he quite admires the film "Joker".

After the waiter served the exquisite tea and snacks, the conversation got down to business.

Spielberg didn't exchange many pleasantries, his gaze sharply fixed on Chen Linfeng.

"Chen, Hollywood loves geniuses, but Hollywood is also a place that needs a sense of belonging."

The recent public opinion... is somewhat worrying. I think you should consider that perhaps slightly changing your mindset would be a good option.

Chen Linfeng was speechless. Why did everyone on the Americans' side want to drag him into this mess?

Are you addicted to luring innocent girls into prostitution?

Chen Linfeng said calmly, "Just like you said, I need to think about it carefully, don't I?"

"And that will take time."

Spielberg shook his head; as an old man who had lived through the entire Cold War, he was skeptical of such a statement.

In his view, Chen is very much like some of the left-wing Russian artists he had seen in the past.

In some ways, they are even more confident and determined than those people.

I don't know where he, a Chinese person, got this kind of mentality from.

"Forget it, let's not talk about this."

As a Jew, he wasn't really that concerned about this issue.

Of course, the topic still revolves around the films that are competing for the Oscars this year.

After all, everyone knows perfectly well why the two met.

"Joker has a perspective rarely seen in Hollywood films today, which is its strength, but to some extent, it may also be a weakness."

Especially when the film itself is filled with sharp social criticism.

He paused, his tone slightly meaningful, "12 Years a Slave is equally sharp, but it tells the story of the trauma of 'the past' and 'others'."

This almost points out the impact of the differences in identity politics between the two films on the judges' psychology.

Chen Linfeng's expression hardened, and he leaned forward slightly before leaning back against the chair.

"Steven, the trauma of history needs to be remembered and told. 12 Years a Slave is a great movie, that's for sure. But Joker tells the story of a global trauma that is happening now."

"The anger of the underprivileged, the despair caused by social inequality, the powerlessness and alienation of individuals in the face of a huge system... these emotions, regardless of skin color or race, are playing out in many corners of the world."

"It reminds us that historical tragedies have not truly become history; they may reappear in new forms today."

The value of the Oscars lies precisely in their courage to recognize and celebrate works that dare to confront the core issues of our time.

Chen Linfeng came today to persuade Spielberg to cast the votes he could for him in this year's Oscar voting.

While there are certainly vested interests at play, which we'll discuss later, there's also the inevitable clash of ideologies.

Only by convincing the other party on theoretical and conceptual levels can Spielberg be better motivated to persuade others.

His words placed Joker within a broader context that transcends the history of any single nation, emphasizing its universal cautionary significance.

An attempt to offset the inherent advantage of "12 Years a Slave" in its narrative of "historical trauma".

Everyone knows that this kind of historical reflection is popular in the United States now.

But universal values ​​can also move people.

Although it focuses on the grassroots level, it is somewhat "red".

But in fact, throughout history, the US has never lacked this type of movie.

There have been slightly fewer in recent years.

Spielberg paused for a moment, tapping his fingers lightly on the sofa armrest, as if weighing his options.

Finally, he slowly spoke: "Chen, your talent and insight into film are admirable."

Many members of the Directors Guild, including myself, acknowledge Joker's outstanding directorial achievement.

Leonardo DiCaprio's performance... was also phenomenal.

He didn't make a direct commitment, but the terms "Directors Guild" and "directing skills" are undoubtedly a powerful signal.

That's enough to say.

Chen Linfeng understood immediately, and the two changed the subject again.

"Chen, I recently received a new project."

“Hmm…” Spielberg hesitated for a moment, then said, “It’s a rather trendy topic, and I’d like to hear your opinion.”

What kind of script is it?

Chen Linfeng's spirits lifted. This was something Mei Jie had arranged in advance, and it was one of the rewards Spielberg was willing to give him.

Now is the time to deliver on that promise.

"This is a Warner Bros. project. The original novel is called 'Ready Player One,' a full-length science fiction work that combines VR technology with a popular culture puzzle system..."

Chen Linfeng raised an eyebrow. Judging from the premise, this was just like the movie "Ready Player One" that Old Pi made in his previous life.

"I recently finished reading the original novel. To be honest, I don't know much about VR games. There are some things I only learned after reading the novel."

Spielberg sighed. "The games that are popular among young people today are too far removed from my time. To be honest, I don't have any good ideas right now. Chen, do you have any good ideas?"

It seems he is still in the early stages of script adaptation and creation.

That's right, it's only 2014 now, but in the previous life the movie wasn't released until 2018.

After thinking for a moment, Chen Linfeng decided to follow the script from his previous life and give him advice accordingly.

“Steven, I don’t think you need to be too emotional about the generation gap. Young people’s tastes are not necessarily that different from yours.”

"Oh?" Spielberg became interested. "How so?"

"Perhaps the games that young people play today, such as World of Warcraft and League of Legends, are ones you don't know about."

But if we go back in time, back when you were still full of youthful vigor, there were video games like Super Mario Bros., Metal Slug, and Street Fighter, as well as Gundam, Godzilla, and the DeLorean flying car in Back to the Future…

"These elements that were popular in your time are actually part of our generation's childhood memories. We share a common emotional connection in these memories."

"And that's where the film really shines."

Chen Linfeng blinked. "I think it's perfectly normal for future VR games to incorporate more elements from past eras that were popular globally, isn't it?"

“Great…great idea.” Spielberg stood up excitedly.

That's a brilliant idea.

It not only solved the generation gap problem that had initially troubled him, but also addressed the issue of his relationship with today's young people.

This has been a source of great concern for him for a long time, as the influence of his films has been steadily declining in recent years.

He keenly realized that it was because of his age that it was becoming increasingly difficult to grasp the preferences of today's mainstream movie-going audience.

Chen's idea not only perfectly avoided this problem, but also expanded the film's audience.

Perhaps older moviegoers will also return to the cinema because of these elements.

Seeing Spielberg's excitement, Chen Linfeng couldn't help but remind him, "For a near-future world like virtual reality games, these Easter eggs alone are not enough. The main storyline also needs to be original and interesting enough, otherwise, the greater the expectations of moviegoers, the greater their disappointment."

“Uh, you’re right.” Spielberg snapped out of his daze.

"But let's leave the script discussion here for now. Those games you mentioned have really piqued my interest, Chen. Want to play a couple of rounds with me?"

With that, Spielberg enthusiastically tried to pull Chen Linfeng to the game room.

“Okay,” Chen Linfeng said with a smile.

Spielberg's love for video games is no secret, according to some rumors.

After all, the Atari crash was caused by the terrible E.T. adaptation, which led to a market slump and was, to some extent, inextricably linked to Pixnet.

Its early film, Jaws, even incorporated elements of arcade games.

But to be honest, it's possible for the other person to suddenly get into gaming when they're having a great conversation and want to drag him into playing together.

That doesn't align with his understanding.

Chen Linfeng narrowed his eyes and quickly figured out the reason.

It's still related to interests.

His previous "Easter egg" idea had already repaid the favors he received for helping with the voting, as you could tell from his excitement.

It was already quite inappropriate of him not to be able to hide his emotions.

If they immediately want to inquire about the direction of future adaptations, then the entire script belongs entirely to Chen Linfeng.

As a renowned Hollywood director and screenwriter, he rightfully deserves this right.

Obviously, if the script is credited to Chen Linfeng, then he will definitely receive a significant share of the final box office revenue.

Now that there's such a great idea as an Easter egg, Old Pi is clearly a little reluctant to give it up and wants to try it himself.

Chen Linfeng smiled, not in a hurry, since he had already taken note of the manuscript.

In a couple of days, Hollywood will surely start spreading the news that "Chen gave Spielberg ideas for his new script."

There's no need to worry about Warner Bros. not coming to them.

After all, that's a collaboration between Chen and Spielberg, practically a gold mine.

Who can withstand this?

(End of this chapter)