Generation Z Artists

Chapter 291 Utilization Value

As is well known, a grand banquet, or After Party, is held after the Oscars ceremony.

Generally speaking, there are two important dinners that night.

The first event is called the Governors Ball, the first and most important celebratory dinner officially hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The winners will receive their official Oscar statuettes, engraved with their names, here.

Meanwhile, the other celebrities who didn't win an award will most likely go directly to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, the famous Vanity Fair party.

As the big winners today, the cast and crew of "Hero" naturally have to attend both events.

Attending the chairman's dinner is a relatively simple matter. You just need to change your clothes, have a small celebration there, and you can leave in half an hour.

But this does not include Brother Fang.

Fang Xinghe, who had changed into a simple suit under the tearful gaze of the LV president, was summoned away by two old men as soon as he arrived at the venue.

Robert Wise, and Carl Molden.

The former is a legendary Hollywood director who served as president of the Academy and is one of the most respected elders in the Academy.

The latter is a veteran actor and the current president of the academy.

These two people share a common characteristic—conservatism.

Within their small inner circle are neoconservative scholar Wolfowitz and the current leader's chief of staff, Commissioner Smith.

When they saw Fang Xinghe, their withered faces immediately lit up with warm smiles.

"Wow, wow, wow! Look who's here!"

Commissioner Smith spread his arms wide in an exaggerated manner, but Fang Xinghe simply reached out his hand—once the river was crossed, the bridge was useless.

Of course, he didn't deliberately put on a show; on the contrary, he was very considerate.

"Hello, it's so nice to see you. I'm even happier to see that you look much more energetic than the last time we met."

"Last time? Hahaha!"

Commissioner Smith burst into laughter.

"The last time we met you were the respected Commander, and now you're an Oscar winner for Best Picture. That's truly remarkable..."

Fang knows Commissioner Smith, or rather, he knows almost every political figure currently active in Washington.

He was the Son of Washington, remember?

Wolfowitz, with his hoarse voice, interjected: "Hey, SR, I didn't like your acceptance speech—why didn't you mention your status as a great writer? That's your most distinctive label!"

Fang Xinghe glanced at the thing, thinking to himself: When will it collapse and lose its value?
Well, it's been about the last two years.

But before that, when "The Younger Ones" is released nationwide in the US, he can probably still contribute his last bit of energy...

Thinking about it this way, it's impossible not to feel enthusiastic!
"Haha, Dr. Fowitz, your article is also particularly excellent. I really like the one titled 'Hollywood's Democracy.'"

"Huh?" Fowitz was stunned, his face full of confusion. "Is there such an article?"

Fang Xinghe blinked: "Of course, otherwise how would I have won the award?"

Everyone then realized what a clever joke Fang Xinghe had played.

"Hahahaha!"

"YES! We liberated Hollywood with democracy!"

"SR, your talent for humor is also top-notch!"

A group of core conservative leaders laughing heartily amidst a large throng of liberal leftists was a striking sight.

In the distance, Harvey watched this scene with an extremely cold expression.

But he didn't talk about anything in public; tonight is a victory celebration for conservatism.

Within the inner circle, Chairman Carl Molden and Commissioner Smith each emphasized one thing.

“SR, there was a huge controversy within the Academy about giving Heroes the Best Picture award. Fortunately, the voting rules for Best Picture are different—any member can vote for it, without the Association’s restrictions. So we actually achieved this feat through a large number of peripheral members.”

However, such things are difficult to replicate.

You're a smart person, you should understand what I mean...

"understand."

Fang Xinghe nodded, acknowledging the other party's achievements.

"This is more than enough to make me overjoyed. Thank you for your help with Heroes."

Carl Morden patted Fang Xinghe on the shoulder and said regretfully, "Actually, I really feel sorry for you. Since you had another solo film, why not wait a little longer? Winning an award for that solo film would have maximized your benefits..."

Haha, that's easy for you to say.

If I miss this period in March this year, what other opportunities will I have?
Your ability to paint a rosy picture for me is still lacking...

Fang Ge was very clear-headed; he wouldn't become so arrogant because of the victory of "Hero" that he thought he could conquer Hollywood by relying on political correctness.

This is an incredible coincidence resulting from a combination of unexpected factors. Fang Xinghe never imagined this would happen when he finalized and filmed the ending of "Hero." He only noticed a loophole during the later promotional period and then took advantage of it to create a low-probability event.

Well, perhaps it would be more accurate to describe it as a stroke of good luck in gambling.

Even though he had already won the grand prize, he never fantasized about doing it again.

Previous acceptance speeches?

It's just creating a persona and bragging; no one will actually believe it, right?

So, regardless of whether Carl Mordenti reminded him or not, he had no intention of using "Better Days" to garner another Oscar—the acting awards being the only exception.

So he confidently stated: "The goal of 'You Are the Best' is Cannes. In the United States, I only hope that it can be released smoothly, achieve a certain box office, and establish director Fang Xinghe's reputation among the audience. That's all."

"Haha, that's good. In that case, we old guys can still be of some help."

Amid Carl Malden's laughter, Commissioner Smith began to do something even more important—to curry favor.

"Dear SR, that gentleman really likes your movie. Perhaps tomorrow, perhaps the day after, you'll see his congratulations in the newspapers and on television. The box office of 'Hero' will continue to rise..."

"Thank you very much." Fang Xinghe raised his glass, then thoughtfully asked, "Such kindness makes me feel uneasy. Is there anything I can do to repay this kindness?"

Commissioner Smith looked extremely satisfied, and then he uttered some high-sounding platitudes—don't think that the United States doesn't have these things; on the contrary, it does, and plenty of them.

"Our love and admiration for 'Hero' is not based on any personal gain, but because it is truly a thought-provoking and awe-inspiring masterpiece..."

After rambling on and on, to summarize: "Hero" provides us with tremendous legal support, and it deserves the award; otherwise, how can we demonstrate the justice of this government?
But...

This situation cannot be replicated. Your next film, if it doesn't have a brilliant core that fits our needs, will not be able to gain such strong support.

Therefore, if you want to continue to have our support, you need to continue to meet our needs.

“We value your influence very much, SR. You are more than just an ordinary film director, actor, or screenwriter.”

You are an independent cultural leader, and you should play a greater role in more social affairs…

“Understood.” Actor Fang nodded seriously and firmly. “Our ideals are similar in many ways. This is a more solid relationship than friendship. I am a person who never lies. I like America as it is now.”

The truth is, if it weren't for the pits you're digging now, how could we have the short-legged geese groping their way across the river 30 years from now?

The eagle has turned into a goose, too big to fit in one pot, but it smells so good... Commissioner Smith smiled with satisfaction.

But in reality, what did Fang Xinghe promise? Nothing.

Throughout the entire process, he simply observed, thought, and summarized, and then thoroughly understood the needs of these conservatives.

In short: the current US government wants to use Fang Xinghe's influence, hoping he will write more articles and publish more opinions that are favorable to them, essentially to protect votes.

But Brother Fang is the kind of person who won't act until he sees a clear benefit; he wouldn't rashly charge into battle for anyone.

To put it bluntly, do you even deserve it?
I'm a successor to socialism!
However, when necessary, we can also temporarily assume the role of the Strategic Deception Bureau's American Regional Dispatch Agent...

For example, a piece of news that Commissioner Smith mentioned casually made the head of the online army's heart skip a beat, and his big, bright eyes kept darting around.

These guys seem to still have a lot of value left?
Hmm, I'll have to think about it carefully...

The chat ended in a pleasant atmosphere where everyone had their own ulterior motives.

Fang Xinghe excused himself and went to the next event.

On the way, Wang Charlie asked curiously, "What did you talk about?"

Fang Xinghe glanced at him and said honestly, "We talked about what I could exchange for what."

"Very valuable?"

“Yes.” A mocking smile played on Fang’s lips. “It taught me a valuable lesson about how to negotiate with the freedom faction…”

"???"

Three large question marks appeared on Wang Charlie's forehead.

Although he had always felt he couldn't understand his junior brother, at this moment, he seemed utterly bewildered...

******
Vanity Fair party.

When the crew of "Hero" entered, they received an even warmer and more relaxed welcome.

"Wow, come and see our big star!"

Little Li deliberately waited until he was near the door, then went up to Fang Xinghe with a big laugh and gave him a hug.

As he got closer, he whispered a reminder: "Hey, watch out, buddy, Hollywood is still ruled by the liberal left."

"Of course, I know."

Fang Xinghe patted Fatty Li on the shoulder gratefully, then they parted and he was completely immersed in the flower garden.

Vanity Fair parties are freer and have a more revelry atmosphere, so the women are more promiscuous—he didn't want to use such a derogatory term, but it was true; none of these sluts who wanted to hug him were well-behaved.

Hey, baby!

When the half-drunk Hilton uttered that word, Fang, who didn't want to deal with it, immediately turned cold and gave her an icy stare.

"Watch your words, ma'am, we're not that close."

Since the bodyguards didn't come in, Wu Shengfang casually grabbed Xiao Li and moved him aside.

"It's up to you. Either make them sober up, or sacrifice one night for me."

You stay here and don't move. I'll be right back.

Leonardo DiCaprio had one arm around Hilton and one around Angelina Jolie, looking completely bewildered as he stared at Fang Xinghe's retreating figure.

No, neither of them fits my taste in women.

You're giving me dried chicken feathers?

Do whatever you want, Brother Fang doesn't care about any of that. After making a quick getaway, he headed straight for the core area where the six CEOs were located.

Not all the industry giants were present today, but as is customary, each of the six major companies sent its core management team, who are now scattered in twos and threes in the core area, each gathering a small group of people.

Fang Xinghe glanced at them and saw that they were all familiar faces.

Except for the truck driver, all the big names of the current era were present.

Only A-list actors like Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Julia Roberts, and Nicole Kidman can stay here.

The producer didn't recognize them, but their aura told them they were all incredibly capable.

Screenwriters... well, even in America, screenwriters don't get a seat on the main table.

Among all the big names, Fang Ge remains the most dazzling one.

Normally, Asians wouldn't be considered for the occasion, but Fang Xinghe, who straddles different genres and proved his qualifications with "Hero," is the only exception, and he received extremely enthusiastic support.

"Come here, Supernova!"

The six on-site leaders formed a new core circle around him.

The most important purpose, of course, is his new movie.

When will your teen movie be released in North America?

Upon hearing this question, everyone nearby perked up their ears.

They can't help but care about this; the summer movie season has always been the most fiercely competitive period for box office in North America, with bloodshed every year.

Now, riding the wave of the huge success of "Hero", Fang Xinghe is starring in a youth campus film with his stunning good looks. How much attraction will this have for teenagers, the main audience of the summer movie season?
Although it's only the end of March, the summer movie season, which starts on May 2nd, won't leave any company with enough time to prepare.

Although this is just an Asian youth film, after the incredible box office success of "Hero", no fool would dare to underestimate Fang Xinghe.

Let's wait and see.

Brother Fang smiled calmly, his eyes unfathomable.

"How about we talk again after the Cannes Film Festival opens?"

not so good.

A group of company executives were extremely anxious, but on the surface they had to pretend to be calm. It was incredibly difficult for them.

But whatever Fang Sheng says goes—Sony, already pushed to the brink, is like a mother eagle protecting her cubs, absolutely forbidding them from using any underhanded tactics, let alone the subtle favors of the current government.

Therefore, Fang Xinghe may seem to be all alone and powerless in Hollywood, but in reality, he is detached from worldly affairs and difficult to control.

Since they couldn't eliminate him in a short time, the best approach was to win him over, which kept Fang Xinghe extremely busy.

Aside from the malicious Hollywood bad women who don't need to be bothered with, you need to get to know all the other characters.

From the most important theater representatives to producers who control various projects, actors with potential collaborations, and hidden gems of screenwriters and behind-the-scenes talent...

Fang, who looked down on everyone in China, finally experienced the hardships of social interaction in the United States.

But this is not without significance. His registration as a director, actor, and screenwriter gives him an unimaginable ability to piece together resources. In just one hour, he has three more mature alternatives for a new film.

Not to mention the information from big projects—all the existing and stockpiled mega-productions in Hollywood are willing to open their doors to Fang Ge.

However, this is meaningless; for the time being, no giant is willing to give him complete control.

This is a right that even Spielberg couldn't fight for.

As Fang Xinghe's contact deepened, he discovered that this year's summer movie season in North America was nothing short of a hellish one...

(End of this chapter)