Huayu Entertainment: Who let him be the director!

Chapter 146: Named by the bureau leader, a rare talent in the world

Han Sanping called again, but he was not urging Zhou Qing to make a blockbuster, but to inform Zhou Qing to attend a seminar.

Zhou Qing was speechless. There were endless meetings and discussions every few days.

Of course Zhou Qing didn't want to go. There were many things he could do with that time.

But there was no way this time, as the seminar was organized by the Film Bureau, and even Han Sanping had to attend.

The heads of major film companies, major theater chains, film and television producers, and famous filmmakers are all on the invitation list.

Directors like Zhou Qing, who is one of the top directors in mainland China, especially those who just won the Golden Lion Award, are the focus of attention.

What else can Zhou Qing do?
I can only obey.

Who would dare to turn down a seminar of this level?
I don't want to mix with this anymore.

For this reason, Zhou Qing temporarily adjusted his schedule and appeared at the meeting place on time.

"Wow, this seminar is of a very high standard."

After taking a quick look at the scene, Zhou Qing couldn't help but sigh.

Looking around, there are many big names.

There is no need to say much about the various big stars, and many big bosses from film and television companies like Wang Zhongjun and Yu Dong were also present.

Not only that, even two great directors, Zhang Guoshi and Feng Xiaogang, came.

What’s even more amazing is that the great poet Chen, who has always been rather reserved, has also “come out of retirement”.

Zhou Qing was even more glad that he did not pretend to be such a big shot, but came to attend the meeting honestly.

Otherwise, all the big directors from the mainland will be there except me, which would be a big pit for me.

"Director Zhou!"

Wang Zhongjun was as active as ever. When he saw Zhou Qing, he immediately came over and greeted him warmly.

"Congratulations to Director Zhou for winning the Golden Lion Award in Venice. This is a great honor for our country."

Wang Zhongjun's tone was a bit high, so Zhou Qing quickly responded modestly.

"Mr. Wang, you are too kind. It's just a trophy."

He waved his hands hastily.

"But it's the Golden Lion trophy, so it's definitely different."

Wang Zhongjun emphasized this and praised Zhou Qing again.

"Director Zhou, if you are free someday, you can come to Huayi and sit down. I will prepare a bed for you."

Wang Zhongjun then extended an invitation to Zhou Qing, and Zhou Qing believed that he was sincere.

"If I have the chance, I will definitely bother you."

Although he had no such intention at all, Zhou Qing still said something polite.

The two of them just got together and talked and laughed, which was very eye-catching.

"Director Zhou, long time no see."

Fan Bingbing also came to greet Zhou Qing with a radiant look.

Now Fan Bingbing has starred in a series of TV series and movies, including some big productions, which have greatly added to Fan Bingbing.

It can be said that Fan Bingbing's current status is much higher than when he auditioned for "Departures".

But even so, Fan Bingbing still wanted to take Zhou Qing's express train.

Even Zhang Ziyi has to curry favor with a top director like Zhou Qing, let alone her?
"Not too long."

Zhou Qing smiled. Although he had never worked with Fan Bingbing, he was familiar with Fan Bingbing.

Fan Bingbing also congratulated Zhou Qing on winning the Golden Lion Award, needless to say.

“When will the filming of “The Warring States” start?”

The two sides had a brief chat and Zhou Qing asked casually.

"The Warring States" is undoubtedly a top film project in the industry. It is a co-production between China, Japan and South Korea, with an investment of up to 1600 million US dollars.

Being able to play the leading female role in a movie of this level is the best proof of Fan Bingbing's current status.

Not to mention, Fan Bingbing's "A Chinese Odyssey" has not been released yet.

That was also a top film project.

The investment is as high as 6000 million RMB, and it also brings together a number of Hong Kong and Taiwan stars such as Nicholas Tse, Cai Zhuoyan, and Chen Bailin.

However, Fan Bingbing is not the leading female role.

There's nothing we can do about it. This is a co-production, and it's a co-production directed by a Hong Kong director.

No matter how big the mainland stars are, they could only play supporting roles in the past.

"Filming starts on the 24th of this month."

There was nothing to hide about this kind of thing, so Fan Bingbing told Zhou Qing the truth.

"With Hua Ge and you as co-stars, this will definitely be another big hit."

Zhou Qing sent his blessings at the right time.

"Then let me borrow some good words from Director Zhou."

Fan Bingbing is very happy and she is also very confident about this movie.

After all, this movie is indeed full of buffs.

But what Fan Bingbing would never have expected was that "The Warring States" would ultimately fail, at least in mainland China.

The movie, which cost over 100 million RMB to make, only grossed 60 million RMB, which was a complete flop.

Andy Lau was also dubbed the "box office poison" because of this.

The only consolation is that the box office in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan was very good, especially in Japan, where it made 6.4 million yen.

So all in all, the movie actually didn't lose money, but made a lot of money.

"Director Zhou."

"Director Zhang."

Master Zhang still looks as vigorous as ever, as if he is full of energy all the time.

“When will “Hearing Girl” be released? I have to watch it carefully.”

Master Zhang spoke to Zhou Qing in a half-joking, half-seriously tone.

This is a movie that won the Golden Lion Award and is definitely worthy of Master Zhang's careful viewing.

"Director Zhang, you're too polite. The tentative release date is January next year. Please give me your comments when the time comes."

Zhou Qing also spoke modestly to Master Zhang.

"What about Director Zhang's "A Solo Journey Across Thousand Miles"?"

Zhou Qing also asked back.

This is the first art film made by Zhang Guoshi after several commercial films in a row, which has attracted much attention in the circle.

It becomes even more eye-catching because the lead actor is Ken Takakura.

"If nothing unexpected happens, it should be December."

Master Zhang also did not hide anything from Zhou Qing.

"I will definitely study hard when the time comes."

Zhou Qing also smiled.

Master Zhang was just as humble.

The two parties informally agreed to support each other's films.

It’s a pity that there were no reporters nearby, otherwise if this scene were to be spread out, it would be widely reported by the media.

"Okay, that's enough, let's go in."

After chatting for a while and seeing that it was about time, Master Zhang called out to Zhou Qing.

They both entered the venue and took their seats.

In front were some relevant leaders such as Han Sanping, and then some filmmakers of the older generation.

Then come the bosses of film and television companies and "new" directors like Zhou Qing.

The meeting was chaired by the head of the Film Bureau.

He led everyone to discuss the goals and direction of the future film industry, and the trade-offs between art films and commercial films.

The topic is good, but the discussion below is obviously much more watery.

Most of the filmmakers who spoke used official jargon and very little substantive content.

Zhou Qing sat quietly from beginning to end, not saying a word, just treating himself as a foil. He had no intention of being the center of attention.

But sometimes, just because you don't stay in the spotlight doesn't mean that the spotlight won't come to you.

"Director Zhou Qing, what do you think?"

Zhou Qing, who was just watching the whole thing, was caught off guard.

The head of the Film Bureau personally called his name!
Swish swish!
Everyone at the scene couldn't help but look at Zhou Qing.

Although being named by the leader in such occasions is not a good thing, one thing is undeniable, which is that it also represents recognition from the leader.

Otherwise, why would the leader call your name?

Especially considering that Zhou Qing is only a 21-year-old college student, it is even more eye-catching.

But thinking about Zhou Qing’s terrible record, well, many people were speechless.

This person is indeed qualified to be named by the leader.

What else can Zhou Qing do?
I had no choice but to stand up and speak.

"In 02, I made my first movie, 127 Hours, which grossed only 03 million. In , I made my second movie, The Undertaker, which grossed million."

"And the box office of La La Land, which I shot last year, reached 80 million!"

Zhou Qing swore that showing off was definitely not his main purpose, it was just a side effect.

He listed his brilliant achievements just for the sake of argument.

"What does this show? It shows that the film market is getting better and better, and the film environment is getting better and better."

"In the past, movies with an investment of tens of millions were considered big productions, but now there are more and more movies with an investment of over 100 million."

"In the past, our box office revenue of 40 to 50 million was considered high, but now it has repeatedly exceeded 100 million. I believe that in the future it will exceed 200 million, 300 million, and 400 million."

"I think this kind of thriving environment is compatible with both commercial and art films."

"For me, making art films or commercial films is not something I need to consider."

"What I have to consider is that whether I am making a commercial film or an art film, I have to make it well and with sincerity."

"Whether it's an art film or a commercial film, we have to live up to the audience. This is the minimum."

Well, it’s a long and eloquent speech, but it’s totally worthless, it’s the same as if I didn’t say anything.

Of course, it was not without effect. At least Zhou Qing showed off a lot.

Hua Hua Hua.

But even so, there was still warm applause at the scene.

"That's a good point."

What surprised Zhou Qing was that after the meeting, when he touched Han Sanping, Han Sanping actually expressed his approval of him.

This made Zhou Qing complain in his heart, not bad?

That's all bullshit, sir.

"So will you mainly make commercial films or art films in the future?"

Han Sanping looked at Zhou Qing curiously and asked.

In today's environment, whether to make an art film or a commercial film is a question that many directors are struggling with.

Just like Ning Hao before.

If Zhou Qing hadn't done ideological work, the other party might still be making art films now.

“It should be a commercial film.”

Zhou Qing deliberately pondered for a while and gave this affirmative answer.

“Why is it a commercial film?”

Han Sanping became more and more curious. You know, Zhou Qing rose to fame by making three major art films.

Although Zhou Qing's art films have a bit of commercial flavor, the industry generally believes that Zhou Qing is an art film director.

In front of Han Sanping, Zhou Qing could no longer say that commercial films are the future. He could just say that to Ning Hao.

"I've made so many art films, I want to try a different style."

Zhou Qing said this to Han Sanping.

Han Sanping didn't think much about it, thinking that Zhou was just being frivolous and willful when young.

However, as for Han Sanping himself, he actually strongly supports commercial films.

But now there is no corresponding policy from above, the situation is unclear, and Han Sanping is not in a position to express his attitude openly.

"In that case, let's quickly prepare for our big movie. You've been resting for a long time, right?"

Han Sanping just urged Zhou Qing again.

"It should be almost done, right?"

Zhou Qing just laughed.

"You kid, pay more attention. Don't be too lazy at such a young age."

Han Sanping shook his head helplessly.

Look at Master Zhang, he has been preparing for the Olympic Games recently and even filmed a movie called "A Solo Journey of Thousand Miles".

Aren’t you ashamed of your enthusiasm?

"By the way, The Myth will premiere in two days. If you have nothing to do, go and show your support."

After chatting for a while which was useless, Han Sanping mentioned this matter to Zhou Qing again.

"The Myth" has investment from China Film Group Corporation and is a definite blockbuster, so Han Sanping attaches great importance to it.

"If it's okay, I'll go."

Zhou Qing nodded. Han Sanping had personally invited him, so he had to give him this honor.

On September 9, news came again from the Olympic Organizing Committee.

After comprehensive review by the expert group, Plan No. 2 submitted by the French company e-ca353 and the proposal by Gehua Zhongyan entered the next round of selection.

In addition, another 11 works collected through targeted solicitation advanced directly without going through expert evaluation.

That is to say, a total of 13 teams have been qualified to bid and can participate in the next round of bidding.

Zhang Guoshi, Chen Shishi, Li An and other famous directors who have previously received much attention from all parties are all on the list.

As soon as the news came out, all parties paid attention to it, and everyone was speculating which big directors would be able to advance.

Master Zhang, Shishi Chen, Li An and others are all top seeded players and have high popularity.

"It must be Master Zhang."

Zhou Qing said to Huang Bo in a very firm tone.

"I think it's still Poet Chen?"

Huang Bo has a different opinion on this.

Indeed, Master Zhang is the top director in mainland China, even better than poet Chen.

But this time it's the director opening rather than the film.

Master Zhang has already proved that he is not very good at this with the closing ceremony of the Athens Olympics, which received a lot of bad reviews.

And what about poet Chen?
In any case, he is a big shot who has won the Palme d'Or.

Poet Chen?
Zhou Qing almost couldn't help laughing out loud. This guy was eliminated in the first round.

However, there is no need to talk about this kind of thing at this time.

【Performance: 88 points.】

After entering the system and checking it out, Zhou Qing nodded with satisfaction.

Ever since his directing and screenwriting skills were maxed out, Zhou Qing has been working on improving his acting skills.

After all, Zhou Qing is also a student of the acting department.

Although her looks are only above average, it is definitely good enough for her to be an actor.

If he lacks skills in filmmaking, he will naturally give priority to those skills.

But now that his skills in filmmaking have reached top level, if Zhou Qing wants to improve further, the natural thing he has to consider is his acting skills.

To be honest, Zhou Qing is really looking forward to the moment when he can act in a movie in the future.

After all, it’s exciting to think about writing, directing, and acting in a movie by yourself.

There are very few such all-round talents in the entire industry.

Especially those who can reach the top level in all aspects are rare in the world.

(End of this chapter)