Huayu became famous overnight

Chapter 256 I'll film whatever the audience wants to see.

I got home at 10 o'clock.

Sure enough, the living room lights were still on.

"Mom, didn't I already say that if you come back late, you and Dad can just sleep in the room, you don't need to wait for me?" Xu Ming said as he took off his shoes.

"Who's waiting for you? Your dad and I are watching TV."

Xu's mother didn't turn her head, watching "Bright Sword" on TV, which she had seen eight hundred times.

Duplicity.

Xu Ming muttered to himself.

Then the father interjected, "You really need to do something about your mother. Ever since she came to stay with you, she's been glued to the TV, watching it night after night. Her eyes are almost blind from watching it."

"I don't even have anyone to talk to here. What's wrong with watching TV? I've farmed all my life, can't I enjoy myself a little?"

Xu's mother kept her eyes fixed on the ground, muttering curses under her breath.

So it turns out it was all wishful thinking on my part. I wasn't worried about not being able to sleep; I just didn't want to sleep because I wanted to watch TV.

Using the TV as a TikTok app.

"Stop looking at it. I'll take you and my dad to see a movie tomorrow," Xu Ming said casually.

“I don’t want to go to that place. It’s not as comfortable as staying at home and watching TV.”

As the end credits started playing on TV, Xu's mother finally looked up at her son and said, "By the way, I sent your DVD back to the village. When you have time, sign another hundred or so for me so I can give them away when I get back."

Yes, only a mother would say such a thing.

Treat them like treasures from afar, treat them like livestock up close.

"Okay, it's time to sleep. Go back to your room."

Xu Ming urged his mother to go back to her room to rest, and after washing up, he lay on the bed and began to ponder.

Although his mother didn't say it, he could sense that she was eager to take her son back to their hometown and parade him through the streets.

During this period, he was busy promoting Qiming's behind-the-scenes production, and his own acting career has temporarily come to a standstill.

He needs to lay low this year, but that doesn't mean he has nothing to do.

It's not too late to release the film after the storm has passed.

However, having too many choices made him unable to make a decision. After being provoked by his mother, he suddenly remembered the promise he had made to her: to make a TV series for her to watch.

Maybe, it's time.

……

End of February.

After finishing her event, Zhang Ziyi rushed to Qiming immediately.

She hasn't officially been cast yet, but she's been keeping the role in mind.

Ding!
The elevator door opens.

Xu Ming and Zhao Wenzhuo were standing inside.

Both of them were taken aback when they saw Zhang Ziyi.

Xu Ming was the first to react, patting Zhao Wenzhuo's arm: "Brother Zhuo, a friend is coming over, so I won't see you off. We'll contact each other later."

“Okay, I happen to be in Beijing preparing for a play during this period, so I can come whenever you need me.”

Zhao Wenzhuo responded, nodded to Zhang Ziyi, and then got out of the elevator.

Zhang Ziyi walked in and asked curiously, "Does he have a collaboration with your company?"

"Qiming is planning to invest in his personal studio. You should see the news about it in a while," Xu Ming said casually.

"Oh, a personal project... Zhao Wenzhuo is going to sign up with Qiming?"

Zhang Ziyi's eyes widened, her tone somewhat surprised.

Although the other party is past his prime, he was once a top-tier action actor, and more importantly, he has a long and distinguished career.

I never expected that Xu Ming would acquire it.

"It's just a collaboration," Xu Ming said modestly.

Zhang Ziyi didn't refute it, but she knew in her heart that this was no different from signing a contract.

To be able to recruit an established actor, one must have offered irresistible resources and conditions. What could those be?

While Zhang Ziyi was pondering, Xu Ming was also calculating Zhao Wenzhuo's arrangements.

The latter had originally been invited by a brokerage firm established by Hong Kong and Taiwan capital, and the negotiations were almost complete, but he interfered.

The reason for signing with them is quite simple.

Xu Ming reserved a role for him in "The American Deception".

The original version featured Robert Pattinson as Tregio, but when he wrote the script, he changed the character's background to that of a Chinese thug.

If you want to expand overseas, action movies are a genre that's hard to avoid.

Zhao Wenzhuo, an action actor who is still in the twilight of his prime, would be a great addition to Qiming's team.

Of course, the key is that the two have a good relationship.

Considering that the other party taught him Tongbei Quan and the formula for the ointment, Xu Ming didn't mind giving him a hand.

The elevator arrived at the company in silence.

Suddenly struck by a flash of inspiration, Zhang Ziyi looked at Xu Ming and exclaimed, "He's going to star in 'The American Hustle'?"

Hey, it seems the other person isn't just a pretty face.

Xu Ming didn't hide anything: "Yeah, it's pretty much true."

He promised Megan his recommendation for the second female lead, which should be Zhao Wenzhuo's role.

After all, the latter's role was at most the fourth male lead, and it was a stereotypical character.

With Zhao Wenzhuo's acting skills, this role is more than a given.

Zhang Ziyi's face immediately darkened.

It's rare for a Hollywood movie, with its story set in the United States, to have two Chinese actors among the main characters.

"Then my role..."

"Jennifer Lawrence has been cast as the second female lead. I'm sorry, I just received the news myself. It's a choice made jointly by Megan and the director, so it's hard for me to say no."

Xu Ming apologized verbally, but his face remained calm and composed.

Not getting a role is commonplace for actors in the film and television industry.

Even if a contract is signed, it can still be replaced. Besides, he never made any promises to Zhang Ziyi, only saying that he would try his best to help her.

Whether he put in the effort or not is up to him to decide.

"you!"

Zhang Ziyi clenched her teeth.

For this role, she accompanied Xu Ming to several events.

He practically staked all his reputation on the latter.

How can one be content with ending up with nothing?

"Sigh, I feel really bad for you. In Hollywood, outsiders like us are easily taken advantage of. Things will only get better once we gain more influence," Xu Ming said helplessly.

He was prepared for the two sides to completely break off relations.

Zhang Ziyi swallowed back the question that was about to slip out.

Breaking off relations with Xu Ming at this point would do her no good.

On the contrary, everything she had invested in Xu Ming would be wasted, and she might even offend him.

In other words, the so-called sunk costs were too high, and not only did she dare not withdraw, she also had to find ways to help Xu Ming gain control of the discourse.

At least the other party still owes her a favor, and if things go well in the future, there's a possibility of repaying it.

Here's a paradox: people we've helped are often less willing to help than those who've helped us. "You're right, we need to proceed gradually; one failure doesn't matter."

Zhang Ziyi had to turn around and comfort Xu Ming.

Xu Ming couldn't help but look at the other party with newfound respect. How could they tolerate this?

"You must have put in a lot of effort for my role this time. Thank you for your hard work."

Zhang Ziyi paused for a moment, then said, "I heard you started an association that focuses on developing film and television production overseas. Let me introduce you to a few more people."

"Sister Ziyi, you are truly my good sister." Xu Ming couldn't help but grasp her soft hand and exclaimed with emotion.

Zhang Ziyi's lips twitched twice. Why did that "good sister" sound so sarcastic to her?

However, the hand that was being held by the other person did not pull away.

Thinking back on all the drinking parties she had attended with him, her eyes grew even more tender and affectionate. She refused to believe that she couldn't squeeze something out of him.

She never does anything that loses money!
……

Los Angeles.

Xu Ming and Xiao Juan got into Pani's car together.

The reason for moving from New York to Los Angeles is because it is the main battleground of Hollywood.

Megan placed the crew of "American Hustle" here for preparations.

"Xiaojuan, I've compiled a script outline and sent it to your email. You can give it to the company's screenwriting team to expand on later," Xu Ming instructed.

"Okay, I'll send it now."

Xiao Juan didn't hesitate and immediately took out her phone to forward the message to the screenwriting team: "Is this 'My Love from the Star'? A 23-episode synopsis, a TV series?"

"Ah."

That's right, the TV drama script that Xu Ming carefully selected is the idol drama "My Love from the Star" that will sweep across Asia at the end of next year.

He not only had to consider the domestic impact, but also the external dissemination and output.

Then this TV series that made Professor Do a top Asian idol is the perfect choice.

As for the shortcomings of this drama, such as being too superficial and lacking depth.

He's already making TV dramas, so what's the point of having any profound meaning? It just needs to be simple enough to be spread without any brainpower.

Besides, with such a superior appearance, it would be a shame not to film idol dramas.
Since his debut, Xu Ming has never been associated with anything profound; his most popular role is that of a sissy wearing a kilt.

He got to where he is today not because of any so-called prestige.

Rather, it's their unparalleled popularity and national recognition.

He films whatever the audience wants to see, always keeping in mind his identity as an artist. Earning money through performing is not shameful; it's better than claiming to be a performing artist.

"What's wrong? You seem quite surprised?"

Xu Ming noticed the disbelief on Xiao Juan's face out of the corner of his eye and smiled.

"With your current fame, I thought you would be aiming for awards, but I didn't expect you to go back to making TV dramas," Xiao Juan said honestly.

In the eyes of those in the industry, movie actors go to act in TV series either for money or for fame.

If they had access to film resources, they wouldn't have 'succumbed' to making TV dramas.

Superstars like Jackie Chan and Jet Li, and even Donnie Yen, will no longer lower their standards to make TV dramas.

It's hard to understand why Xu Ming, who has just reached the peak of his career, would not seek further development in film but instead dabble in television projects.

"Blindly believing in awards is limiting yourself and falling into the trap set by the film festival organizers."

Xu Ming smiled and said, "Teacher Fan Wei won the Best Actor award at the Montreal International Film Festival, an A-list international film festival. My mentor, Uncle Benshan, was nominated for the Golden Horse Award for Best Actor."

"But do you think my mentor's acting is inferior to Teacher Fan's?"

"No," Xiao Juan shook her head.

"Let me tell you another fact: the awards at film festivals are basically decided by the jury president. At the 67th Venice Film Festival two years ago, the jury president was Quentin Tarantino."

He awarded the Golden Lion directly to his rumored girlfriend Coppola's "Somewhere," drawing boos from the audience—a first for the three major European film awards this year, demonstrating the extent of public discontent. Yet, the Golden Lion still went to Coppola. What does this signify?

Xu Ming looked into Xiao Juan's eyes and chuckled, "It means that film festivals are just a plaything for a few people. They can't represent the masses, and winning awards doesn't necessarily mean they have commercial value."

It's okay to value it, but it shouldn't be everything. In the entertainment industry, only the audience's love can make an actor last. It will be reflected in box office revenue and viewership ratings, but not in film festivals.

Xiao Juan nodded thoughtfully, as if she understood a lot.

Then he slowly said, "Why do I feel like you're being a bit like a sour grapes?"

"What are you talking about?"

Xu Ming's expression froze for a moment, and he muttered things like "Actor of the Year doesn't count as an Emperor" and "Ou San Da is already past his prime," which immediately created a cheerful atmosphere in the car.

For him, the Hundred Flowers Awards are the highest award in the film and television industry, without exception.

For no particular reason, it's simply because he's only ever won the Hundred Flowers Award...

After the initial excitement, Xiao Juan couldn't help but ask again, "But if you're going to act in a TV series, who are you planning to cast as the female lead? Sister Mi?"

After all, there don't seem to be many actresses in China with the star power to act alongside their own company.

With Yang Mi's grades and connections, she barely qualifies.

"talk later."

Xu Ming shook his head. He had considered finding the original actress, Jun Ji-hyun, but she was getting married in two months.

Putting aside the scheduling conflicts, it would be difficult to reach a consensus on interests alone.

Therefore, we should turn our attention back to the domestic market.

The character Cheon Song-yi is portrayed as a top-tier beauty with a slightly dim-witted personality, similar to a heartthrob.

He has several options, but the final decision will depend on the auditions.

As they spoke, they arrived at Megan's company's office building.

Pani parked the car and led the way while reporting on the crew's preparations: "The main cast is almost finalized, but the role of the second male lead is still undecided. The people Megan recommended don't quite meet the director's requirements."

"So, David seems to have a lot of power on set," Xu Ming said.

"That's right, most of the main cast members come from his previous films, such as 'The Fighter' and 'Silver Linings Playbook'."

Pani hesitated for a moment, "He has a long history in Hollywood, his works have been very successful, and he is Jewish."

Wow, that's definitely a veteran in the industry.

However, for Xu Ming, "The American Fraud" lost much of its significance after it helped him establish his association.

Anyway, he was just one of the screenwriters and producers, and Qiming only symbolically invested two million US dollars, making up a total investment of thirty million US dollars.

It accounts for a small share.

After seemingly being busy for a while, he would drink some soup.

But the biggest significance of this show for him was that it helped him get the qualifications to be a chef.

Once upstairs, Pani knocked on the door, and the three of them entered the preparation room.

Xu Ming was startled when he first saw the fat and greasy Bell.

"How many pounds did you gain for the role?"

"Currently, it's twenty pounds, but it needs to gain at least another twenty pounds before it's turned on."

Bell shrugged and laughed, "This is just a regular occurrence for me. Luckily, I eat a lot. If I had to lose forty pounds, that would be devilish."

Immediately afterwards, Xu Ming saw director David behind Bale, whose eyes were scrutinizing.

"Did you write 'The American Deception'?" David asked.

"Of course," Xu Ming replied matter-of-factly.

“It would be better to portray Hong as a member of an American gang,” David said in a deep voice.

"I'm the screenwriter, and you're the screenwriter?" Xu Ming retorted.

The atmosphere in the preparation room instantly became tense.

(End of this chapter)