Didn't you say that we would lose money after filming?

Chapter 33 Some Questions about Recommended Candidates

The term "action star" appeared roughly in the 1970s and was once very popular. In that era, the popularity of martial arts films gave birth to many well-known action stars. The works of these action stars were all the rage and became popular all over the country, even beyond national borders.

Up to now, the most famous superstars in the international arena are basically all action stars, occupying a large part of the market. Even in the hearts of foreigners, they are very important and well-known to everyone.

But that was only limited to that period of time. After the martial arts films gradually came to an end, the industry entered a period of decline. It became increasingly difficult to make a living in the domestic martial arts industry. Many people even had no food to eat and were willing to risk their lives for a few hundred dollars.

There are few who can be called "action stars" among the new generation. If you want to find them, you can only look among a limited number of people in the older generation.

Although those action stars of the older generation have sophisticated skills and high martial arts proficiency, one major characteristic of them is that they became famous very early. Even nowadays, they are well-known and have great status. It costs a lot to invite one of them.

The pay is too high, and there is also a very troublesome problem, that is, even if you invite people, they may not come.

In this era when martial arts films have no market, the market response in recent years has been mediocre. Besides, he is already old and in his current status, there is no need for him to fight with you to the death.

Therefore, most of those who are able to make the transition have switched to shooting other types of works.

"I do have some candidates here," said Tang Ying.

She listed several options.

"The first choice is naturally Brother Fang Long."

"The second one is Zeng Dan."

"The third one is Li Yuanjie."

Tang Ying took a sip of tea and said in a gentle voice, "These are the three best candidates at the moment."

"Yeah." Xia Yuan nodded and thought.

Of course he knew the three people listed by the senior. It was no exaggeration to say that they were the current martial arts face of Hanxia. They were all top-notch and big-name figures.

The first is Brother Fang Long, who came from the Jianggang martial arts industry. His works are sold well both at home and abroad. Even if you stop anyone in America, everyone will know him.

His personal style is unique and clear, and his films are based on thrilling extreme shots and life-threatening stunts.

It can be said that in that era when special effects were not well developed, in order to film it with a sense of reality, people really risked their lives to shoot it. They could jump from dozens-story buildings at will, and perform all kinds of flying stunts, and gorgeous martial arts scenes.

He is also the most influential action star still alive today.

The second one is Zeng Dan, who is also a Jianggang action star. He studied Wing Chun and Xingyi, has extremely high skills and is famous for his gorgeous and complicated action design.

The third one, Li Yuanjie, is known as the most handsome action star and has a very good reputation. He became famous at a young age and is famous for his Shaolin boxing style.

"First of all, Brother Fang Long can be ruled out." Xia Yuan shook his head: "It's impossible for him to be invited out by us."

This might have been possible a few years or even a dozen years ago, but now?
He is already in his seventies and almost eighty years old.

It is said that young and strong people are more powerful in fighting. Brother Fang Long has already been injured due to his hard work in his early years. Now you want to drag him out to shoot a martial arts film. Isn't this making things difficult for him?

And another point is that Brother Fang Long's pay is very high. As an international superstar, his current offer is as high as 1.4 million. He is one of the few people in the circle whose pay can exceed million.

Of course, it wasn’t so horrible a few years ago, probably around 70 or 80 million, but the offer has been intentionally increased in recent years, probably because of his advanced age, sending a message to the outside world that he no longer wants to make movies.

"Li Yuanjie is not suitable either." Xia Yuan said, "Similarly, Li Yuanjie's injuries are too serious, and it is difficult for him to continue filming high-intensity martial arts scenes."

And he had made up his mind not to use a substitute.

It would be better for people to rest and recuperate.

What? This eliminates two candidates.
Tang Ying rubbed her temple.

"So now there is only one suitable candidate left?" Tang Ying asked.

She was also somewhat helpless because the two mentioned above were the two with the highest pay.

"Yes, Teacher Zeng Dan is fine." Xia Yuan nodded.

First of all, Zeng Dan is still in his prime, and has been practicing boxing. His physical fitness is at its best time, and he is considered the leading fighting star in the country.

If it weren't for a few veteran action stars including Zeng Dan who were still able to fight, the Hanxia martial arts market would have been dead long ago.

Zeng Dan's kung fu is also very advanced, so I think he can control the situation with ease.

"Then I'll be in charge of the contact, and then we'll find time to visit Jianggang as soon as possible." Tang Ying made a decision immediately. At the moment, it was temporarily finalized, but it was useless for them to finalize it, and they still had to ask about other people's thoughts and situation.

So three days later, the two of them boarded a flight to Jianggang together.

Zeng Dan's residence is in a villa on a hillside in Kowloon Bay. When they arrived for the visit, Zeng Dan's assistant was already waiting for them outside the door.

The two of them were dressed quite low-key today. Tang Ying wore a simple outfit of a shirt, jeans and sneakers, with her hair tied into a simple ponytail.

Xia Yuan was wearing a T-shirt, casual pants and dad shoes.

I have to say, it does look quite harmonious.

"Hello, you two. Are you Miss Tang and Mr. Xia who have made an appointment?" The assistant welcomed them in a stiff Cantonese accent: "Please follow me. Teacher Zeng Dan is already waiting for you."

The two followed the assistant through the corridor and into the living room, and soon saw the destination of their trip.

He has short hair and some wrinkles on his face, but he doesn't look old at all. On the contrary, his sharp edges and the fresh-faced temperament add a touch of profound aura. There is no need to ask about his simple Zhongshan suit and the blue veins on his hands as he is pouring tea.

It can be seen at a glance that this is the contemporary action star, the well-known Zeng Dan! He is also one of the current descendants of Yip's Wing Chun.

"Hello, Teacher Zeng Dan."

"Please take a seat, both of you." Zeng Dan was stunned at first when he saw the visitors, then he stood up and greeted them with a smile.

"Teacher Zeng Dan is so polite. No need to stand up."

Even Xia Yuan and Tang Ying couldn't put on airs in front of such an old senior. When he was still in the circle, they were still young. Naturally, they were flattered and said there was no need to be polite.

"Okay then." Zeng Dan nodded and poured two cups of tea: "Actually, I already know why you two are here. You have also contacted my agent before."

"What do you think, Teacher Zeng Dan?" Xia Yuan asked impatiently.

Since you've come straight to the point, that's just fine. It's a good thing and it would be nice to finalize things as soon as possible.

Their crew needs an action star like Zeng Dan right now.

The protagonist Chen Shi in "Master" needs to be played by someone who is very good at martial arts in order to convey such a feeling.

The thing about "Master" in another world is that the actor who plays the protagonist Chen Shi does not know any martial arts, which makes some scenes look not good enough.

And because of this, the film has some flaws, which is considered a shortcoming.

Xia Yuan naturally didn't want to have such flaws in his own photos.

And since Zeng Dan was willing to let them come, there must be something to discuss, otherwise he could have just rejected them over the phone. Why bother asking them to come over?
But just when Xia Yuan was about to speak, Zeng smiled bitterly and said, "But you guys are late. If you had come two days earlier, it would have been fine. But now, I may not be able to take on this acting contract."

"Eh?" Xia Yuan was confused.

"Something went wrong during training a few days ago. I didn't protect myself well and got injured." Zeng Dan pointed to his foot.

Only then did Xia Yuan look down.

hiss--

It turned out to be a big deal. As expected, Zeng Dan's left ankle was already in a cast.

As expected, people who practice martial arts will get injured during their daily practice.

But why does it have to be now?
I have to say that some things happen by coincidence. At such a critical moment, others actually get injured.

So what?

Zeng Dan is the last candidate! The other candidates are more than one level lower than him!
But at this time, Zeng Dan smiled, a little comforting: "But you don't need to worry, I have a candidate to recommend, his skills are not inferior to mine, or even slightly better than mine. If it weren't for certain things back then, his achievements today would only be higher than mine. It's a pity that people with great talents are envied. If you really need someone like me, he would be a good candidate.

It depends on whether you dare to use it. "

"Who is it?"

"Bad artist, the eleventh generation successor of the Huo family's secret boxing, Huo Chunliang!"

(End of this chapter)