Generation Z Artists

Chapter 280 The First Emperor of Film and Television [Happy National Day!]

How could anyone do this?

All the guests present were shocked and pondered a question: No matter how wild a 17-year-old boy is, there must be a limit, right?

Why is Fang Xinghe an exception?
How can this guy's madness be released endlessly?
"Grass!"

Wang Jing was completely speechless.

As a representative of the rationalists in Hong Kong who believe in "whoever feeds me is my mother," he doesn't really care who criticizes him, let alone this kind of non-targeted attack.

He simply couldn't understand Fang Xinghe, and felt that his entire worldview was being severely tested.

Meanwhile, the short, fat man next to him was completely overwhelmed, his defenses broken by Fang Biwang's attack.

"You worthless bastard! You'll get killed sooner or later!"

He wasn't the only one muttering curses; people from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Beijing, and Shanghai circles were all uncomfortable and unhappy.

Fang Xinghe's words, though seemingly mild, were actually extremely sarcastic, and no one in the industry could resist them.

Take it apart carefully, what exactly does he mean?
That's too simple and straightforward—

Grandson, I am your ancestor!

Stop messing around with your own ideas, just copy the homework!

If you copy well, your great-grandfather will give you a round of applause and praise. If you don't copy well, don't blame me for whipping you with a rattan cane.

You managed to mess up the standard answer so badly, you unfilial son!

……

The language is a bit rough, but that's the gist of it.

What's the most disgusting thing?
This is not just mockery, nor will it remain merely verbal; it is a concrete step that has taken away the standards and power of judgment!
"I'll fuck you up..."

Mr. Xiang, who was preparing a blockbuster with Director Chen, was so angry that veins were bulging on his forehead and his temples were throbbing like a tractor starting up.

"So, with just one sentence from that bum, our own blockbuster movies have to worship him?!"

The investors and celebrity directors from Hong Kong and Taiwan in the vicinity all looked indignant, their anger barely concealed.

Old Yang immediately seemed to have second thoughts, sighing, "This film might be difficult to make..."

That's for sure. It was already difficult to film, and now that Fang Xinghe has said that, it's even more complicated.

Liu Weiqiang, the director and screenwriter who was working on that classic crime film, sighed heavily: "What kind of eloquence and thinking is this? It's like something out of a monster!"

He was impressed by Fang Xinghe's statement: "A clear logic to success, an easily replicable overall framework, proven market value, and a reliable production process."

This simple sentence is not only a summary of "Hero", but also an inspiration for those who come after, and a top-notch secret manual that would have been priceless in ancient times and passed down only to sons and daughters.

But this was not out of kindness; it was more like a condescending act of charity.

—I'm absolutely certain that you can't outcopy me!

This is the core of madness, and also its greatest source of harm.

Ms. Ge, who had come specifically for this purpose, was ashen-faced and gritted her teeth: "Fine, I'll plagiarize! Who's afraid of who?!"

This drew everyone's attention.

Director Tsai, who is also from Taiwan, advised, "Don't copy it exactly, it's hard to explain..."

Ms. Chai immediately retorted: "Does doing it ourselves explain everything? His two sentences were watertight, leaving no room for us to argue!"

Madam Chen smoothed things over by saying something objective and fair: "It's difficult no matter what. The main thing is that it's impossible not to learn, and he really has the right to judge."

Everyone immediately fell silent, and no one uttered a sound.

Yes, "Hero," with its 54 billion yuan box office, is already an insurmountable monument, fully qualified to point fingers at all those who follow.

This is not a slight difference; it is absolute suppression.

The mountain was created by me.

I paved the road.

This territory was conquered by me.

The world is what I conquered.

Do you want to follow my path, without worshipping me or respecting me? Are you trying to turn the world upside down?

As for not following that path... that's impossible.

The investors present were well aware that making such a large investment without following the successful experience of "Hero" was neither realistic nor smart.

That's why Liu Weiqiang remarked that Fang Xinghe was like a monster.

The secret manual is being shared with you.

If you break down my four-sentence summary, you can easily understand all the steps.

First, analyze the success logic of "Heroes", then establish a roughly general framework, adjust it according to the target market, and finally replicate it in terms of publicity and distribution.

But the question is... does knowing something mean you can do it?
What a hell joke!
That's why Fang Xinghe's combination of taunting and forcing people to do things is so disgusting, infuriating, and makes people break down.

I don't want to be gossiped about, but I have to learn; I don't want to have a relationship with him, but I have to "appreciate" his kindness; I don't want to hand over the initiative to such a madman, but in reality, I'm already under his control if I want to make a blockbuster...

"Damn it! How can there be such disgusting people?!"

All around, there was cursing.

Wang Jing comforted her, "Try to think positively and focus on the good things."

How should commercial blockbusters be made? In the past, we were all operating in a small workshop model, starting things off on a whim, and nobody knew how to make a truly big production.

Now, by learning by doing, the overall model and path have become clearer, and Hollywood distributors have gained sufficient confidence, making cooperation easier.

Actually, it's a good thing. Everyone should open their hearts, stop thinking about useless things, and just focus on making money!

There's nothing wrong with that logic, but who can truly understand it?

At the very least, they can't.

Kim Sung-go, Andy Lau, and Tony Leung, who have been basically confirmed as the main characters, looked worried. They wanted to nod, but they really couldn't agree.

Their pressure is no less than that of these investors.

The argument that "stars determine box office success" is gaining traction, and the combined strength of the new film is even greater than that of "Hero." If it fails at the box office... I really don't want to think about it.

When they first heard the news, they still harbored some sliver of hope—what if? Right?

But now, when Fang Xinghe, posing as the First Emperor, brought out weights and measures, they suddenly realized the reality—

No matter how the new film turns out, everyone is destined to live in Fang Kuangfu's shadow. This bastard doesn't play the business game with us at all; he plays a higher game of righteousness, popular support, leadership, pioneering, and... bloodline suppression.

How the hell do you play this?!

Damn it, I'm completely unnecessary!

……

"Little Fang, oh Little Fang..."

The leaders attending the celebration banquet were clearly unhappy, but they could only shake their heads and smile bitterly, and had nothing else to say.

Criticism? Absolutely not!

It's no longer about Fang Xinghe's age; there's no need to use the excuse "he's just a child" to convince yourself to forgive him.

The 54 billion yuan box office of "Hero" to date can even be described as a short-term get-out-of-jail-free card.

Let me put it this way: aside from murder and arson, whatever bad things Fang Xinghe does right now, the higher-ups will just pretend not to see it and won't deal with him immediately.

Compared to that, Wolf Warrior's 50 billion yuan is nothing.
Back then, China didn't need your box office numbers or your international accolades—Wolf Warrior didn't have much international recognition either.

But China in 2003 was completely different.

In the previous timeline, the global box office of "Hero" of 1.77 million yuan led to six months of praise from core official media and Zhang Yimou's participation in various conferences.

In the timeline dominated by Fang Ge, "Heroes" became a global sensation, exporting both culture and values, thus amplifying its significance a hundredfold.

Otherwise, how could we have such a grand scene today?

In such a situation, as the absolute protagonist, Fang Xinghe can say a few harsh words to "outsiders," so what can anyone do if they are dissatisfied?

It is foreseeable that for a considerable period of time, all the main creators of "Hero" will be treated like royalty, receiving special treatment based on their respective contributions.

Therefore, although Fang Xinghe's speech was both disappointing and disrespectful, the leaders still took the lead in applauding.

Blah blah blah...

Scattered applause was mixed with cheers—some disliked Fang Xinghe's arrogance, while others particularly liked it. For example, the "Hero" crew was especially excited.

That's so inspiring! Absolutely so inspiring!
"it is good!"

Zhao Xiaoding let out a loud cheer, drawing the attention of everyone nearby.

Those Hong Kong and Taiwanese capital and directors were seething with hatred, but there was nothing they could do but force a smile and applaud along.

Although Mou Zi felt it was inappropriate, he was also provoked to grin widely, like a bountiful old farmer.

Domestic media certainly criticized his version of the storyline quite a bit, but no one can deny his core contribution to "Hero".

Even if Fang Xinghe takes half of the glory, wouldn't the remaining half still be $3.5 million?
Moreover, thanks to the immense popularity of "Hero," his composition and color scheme have been recognized by ordinary audiences worldwide, and his title as a master has become deeply ingrained in people's minds.

Aren't these all gains?
The joy of all the staff at "Hero" is genuine; they have gained so much.

Of course, the happiest person was Wei Ping.

There were too many leaders, so he didn't get a chance to go on stage to express his gratitude, but offstage, he boasted loudly and arrogantly.

"We're all in the same industry, and I, Zhang Weiping, have gotten my share of the profits. I'm not going to let you just watch and be envious!"

Director Fang's meaning is my meaning. You can learn from him however you want, and draw inspiration from him however you like! Go ahead and do whatever you want!

If you need any help, just let me know, Lao Zhang!

If I were to get a biliary tract infection, it would be because of your breeding!
A diverse range of films is wonderful! Only through such diversity can the Chinese film market grow and Chinese films be promoted internationally and reach the world!
I, Lao Zhang, am not helping you, but doing my part for the Chinese film industry!
On this point, I have an unshirkable responsibility!

"..."

The people he dragged along to listen to his boastful talk were precisely the Hong Kong and Taiwan capital groups preparing to shoot their second blockbuster.

To be honest, I almost threw up from disgust.

Do you think we don't know who you, Zhang Weiping, are?

If I ask you that question again after you leave this room, and you don't swallow it back, I'll eat three pounds of shit right here and now! I'll eat it right then and there!
Everyone knows that Wei Ping is just plain disgusting, but there's nothing they can do but stand there like idiots and let her disgust them.

If you chat, you might have a slight chance of finding out some inside information.

If you don't want to talk and just turn around and leave, you'll offend more than just Zhang Weiping.

"Yes, yes, yes, we completely approve of Mr. Zhang's character..."

"Thank you so much, Mr. Zhang, you're so kind!"

"From now on, New Pictures will undoubtedly be the number one in mainland China, and there will be plenty of opportunities for cooperation. Please give us your guidance, Mr. Zhang!"

"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!"

Wei Ping was so beautiful she was practically bubbling with excitement, and her voice was so loud it was deafening. She was already seven-tenths drunk after just one sip of champagne.

"Sure thing, sure thing, we're brothers, anything is negotiable!"

Dude, just comfort me and that's it.

Right now, I'm the best!
……

He was certainly not the most awesome one. It was after he stepped off the stage that Brother Fang truly received the crazy adoration of the entire audience.

How enthusiastic was it?
Asia's top actress, Ms. Matsushima, and contemporary Korean goddess, Eugene, screamed.

"Your Highness Fang Xinghe, you are so handsome!"

How impressive is it?
The Hong Kong and Taiwan filmmakers who had been cursing earlier fell silent, not daring to meet his gaze. Moreover, as soon as Fang Xinghe turned his attention to them, they immediately forced out smiles one after another.

"Fang Sheng!"

"Hello, Mr. Fang."

"Director Fang, your insights are truly profound!"

To what extent is it so highly praised?
Anyone qualified to get close to his boss, celebrity, or investor would be willing to queue up just to get a glimpse of him.

Mr. Xiang put on a smile and waited for almost 20 minutes before he finally got a chance to greet him.

“Mr. Fang, I am a patriotic Hong Konger with my heart set on the mainland. I am completely on your side regarding your grievances with the Hong Kong and Taiwan entertainment industry!”

As for the people exchanging business cards to discuss cooperation, there were too many to remember them all.

Actually, today wasn't a good opportunity, because there were only a handful of people qualified to have a long chat with him, but they still refused to give up.

Fang Xinghe saw many familiar faces from his future life, meaning he was currently just a nobody and couldn't possibly keep track of them all.

Basically, all the big names these days have come to get acquainted with him.

Does this mean she has completely integrated into the Chinese entertainment industry?

Fang Xinghe didn't think so.

The film "Hero" alone gave him the right to not need to integrate and to be completely detached and independent.

This isn't actually the most ideal or healthiest state, but he likes it.

Thus, the celebration banquet continued amidst his perfunctory "reception."

Tired of the flattery, even a smile is no longer offered.

None of the cooperation opportunities were reliable, so they didn't even bother to put their heart into it.

Hello, thank you, I'm sorry.

The three-piece set was used from start to finish, and no one dared to complain.

In the middle of the conversation, Chairman Han led the other leaders to his side and chatted with him for a while.

Chairman Han, who had come with a mission, said meaningfully, "Xiao Fang, you've already seized the greatest power in the entertainment industry, do you know that?"

"Ah."

Fang Xinghe neither feigned modesty nor made any polite gestures; he simply nodded calmly.

On the contrary, the leader in charge of conceptual development didn't understand and asked with particular interest, "What power is it? What are you two playing games with?"

Han Dong explained, "The ability to produce a complete set of content, from script to production team, from filming to acting, from investment to sponsorship, from promotion to settlement, is a particularly rare and powerful force."

He paused for a moment, then continued, “Actually, the most core ability in the film and television industry is always the ability to produce good content; everything else is just icing on the cake. But Xiao Fang’s all-around abilities are exceptionally different. He is strong enough in every aspect, which amplifies his power to an excessive degree.”

"Oh!"

The leaders suddenly realized—whether they really understood or not, they gently patted Fang Xinghe on the shoulder.

"That is indeed not easy. I hope you will make good use of this power and make greater contributions to the Chinese film industry, so as not to disappoint the country and the people's expectations of you."

Fang Xinghe likes to talk about the country and the people because he truly loves this country and cares about this nation.

But he didn't like hearing others talk like that.

It would be impolite to say anything more; you understand.

In short, he became a little more serious and replied with a strong stance: "Rather than dedicating myself like an old ox, I would rather use this power to do some destruction, some destruction, and some correction."

I'm not a nice guy, and I don't understand the concept of prioritizing the big picture.

Therefore, if any conflict arises in the future, I hope you will hold my opponent accountable first, because I will not be wrong.”

The leader's dissatisfaction had already accumulated to a certain extent. His expression turned completely serious, and he stared at Fang Xinghe's eyes with an imposing air, speaking in a very authoritative tone.

"Oh? What makes you think you're never wrong?"

Without the slightest hesitation, Fang Xinghe replied decisively in an instant:
"Because my stance will never be crooked, even if I am being willful, it is not wrong! Whoever makes me dislike or hate them should reflect on their actions, examine their behavior, and even commit suicide!"

As soon as the words were spoken, Chairman Han's eyes widened, the top official of the Film Bureau raised his hand to his forehead, and the leader was stunned for a moment...

After staring at each other for a few seconds, the leader's eyebrows suddenly drooped, and his expression softened, with a hint of a smile.

He raised his hand, pointed at Fang Xinghe, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he said nothing and turned to leave.

The film bureau leaders and Chairman Han hurriedly followed. As they passed Fang Xinghe, Old Han, without controlling his voice, laughed and scolded, "You brat, remember what you said. I'm taking it as a pledge!"

Fang Ge didn't react at all; he simply put his hands behind his back and smiled gently.

A pledge of military authority?
I don't make any pledges to anyone, nor do I need to prove my loyalty to anyone.

When I returned to this era, I represented the Mandate of Heaven itself, and my loyalty was to the great rejuvenation of Chinese civilization!

Whether you understand or not, acknowledge or disapprove, help or not... it won't affect me in the slightest.

"Hero" is the standard of measurement, and I am the first emperor of the film and television industry!

(End of this chapter)