China Entertainment Times

Chapter 697 Teacher Tang Lectures
The "2014 Chinese New Directors Project" sponsored by the Shanghai Film Festival is not very well-known, at least to the outside world, at least eight out of ten netizens have never heard of it.

Although the Shanghai Film Festival is an international A-category film festival, it does not have the background of the Golden Horse and the Golden Image Awards. Even for ordinary audiences, the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers are slightly more famous. From the popularity of the major film festivals every year. I can tell.

There were only a dozen or so media present at the press conference, and there were no complicated ceremonies.

A director came from the organizing committee, and a vice president came from the Wenguang Group. The opening ceremony was full of scenes.

No one wants to hear it, but it is necessary to speak on most occasions.

The directors in the audience are all sitting upright. They can sit here and enter the master class to study after going through layers of selection.

The organizers received tens of thousands of resumes from all over the world before selecting these 30 people. All of them have relevant working experience, at least they have written and directed micro-movies and short films.

These domestic plans to support new directors are not vanity projects, and the benefits are real. No matter which plan, at least one or two movies have been born.

No matter how low the cost is, at least the organizers are willing to pay.

And the Shanghai Film Festival is definitely more face-saving than private companies, which means that at least one or two new films will be invested in the end.

Moreover, this new director program is a sub-unit newly created by the Shanghai Film Festival for the "Hua Guo Film Venture Capital Project". There is also a sub-unit called the Young Director Program, which has produced many well-known films. Pass.

What's more, Tang An was invited by the Shanghai Film Festival, which was notified a few days ago, which made the [-] students at the scene even more excited.

The number one director in the country and the owner of the largest private film and television company in the country, if Tang An takes a fancy to him, he will really be able to reach the sky in one step.

Think about Xu Zheng, Wu Ershan, Tian Yusheng, these new directors supported by Tang An, everyone has made a career in the film industry, the worst Tian Yusheng, the combined box office of the two films is [-] to [-] million up.

Although these people were extremely excited, the teachers on the stage were watching, and there were many reporters present, so they were relatively restrained on the surface.

The few media present at the scene also just found out that Tang An would come, and they were also very surprised that he would attend such a small event.

The reporters took advantage of the occasion when the organizers were speaking on stage, discussing in low voices.

"Hey, I haven't heard any news before. Isn't Tang An still filming that "Mysterious Superstar"? Why do you have time to come here?"

"God knows, maybe it was specially invited by the Shanghai Film Festival."

"How could Tang An agree to the invitation of the Shanghai Film Festival for no reason? It's not an important event. He even came to the opening ceremony once."

"I guess it's for someone. Isn't this a director's master class? Among the [-] people, there are probably people Tang An likes."

"That's right, Tang An's eyes on people are still very accurate."

Talking in a hurry, I finally found a reasonable explanation.

The reporters looked at these thirty people from time to time, trying to find out which one Tang An was optimistic about.

This made the thirty people baffled, why all these reporters were staring at them.

However, the opening remarks of the organizers on the stage were also quickly finished, and several teachers including Tang An were introduced one by one.

"Today is the first session of the New Chinese Director Program of the Shanghai International Film Festival. This time, four major directors Tang An, Iwai Shunji, Guan Jinpeng, and Wei Desheng were invited, as well as famous photographers Yu Liwei, Guan Benliang, and Li Yaohui. Applause is over. First of all, allow me to thank everyone for coming here on behalf of the Shanghai International Film Festival Organizing Committee.

When I found these few at the end of last year, when they proposed to support young directors, they agreed without saying a word.Director Tang An even has two projects this year, and he also took the time to come to the scene to talk with young people, which is the best encouragement for young people.”

Bang bang bang bang
The crowd applauded.

Tang An spoke first, "Everyone, hello everyone. Speaking of young directors, I should be one of them. I was here just now, and looking at everyone in the audience reminded me of myself back then. A few years ago, for the director industry Generally speaking, being young is a disadvantage, almost no company, no investor is willing to invest in a film directed by a newcomer, and everyone here must have encountered a wall with many film and television companies and investors."

As a representative of young directors, Tang An directed alone at the age of 24, and he had more feelings about this aspect in that era ten years ago.

The 30 or [-] people in the audience were also silent. Most of them were around [-] years old. This age is certainly not convincing for the director industry.

Most of them have also handed over planning books and scripts to many film and television companies, and all of them have disappeared, otherwise they would not have come here.

Now the film and television industry is getting bigger and bigger, and the talent gap is even bigger. Those who have the ability and qualifications have been promoted early. The editorial departments of major film and television companies are responsible for the initial review. Most of them are graduates who have graduated from literature majors. The project was brushed down in their hands and could not reach the hands of decision makers.

Tang An's words reminded them of the situation of being rejected again and again, being rejected by some laymen in their 20s in the editorial department of those film and television companies.

Being young is a disadvantage, either it has something to do with it, or the project is submitted layer by layer to the senior management of the film and television company, and finally it is favored, otherwise it can only be slow and wait for luck.

However, with Tang An and Ning Hao's soaring precedents, they have not lost confidence and patience in this industry.

Tang An didn't come to pour cold water on them, he said instead, "But that was in the past. The most important elements in the film and television industry now are capital, stories, and young people. This is an era of change, just like Huaguo at the beginning of the century. The film market has entered the era of period blockbusters, and the types of films released in China have taken on a new look because of that change.

But now, ten years have passed, and major costume productions have begun to withdraw from the stage of mainstream blockbusters. The major companies have basically no plans to make costume blockbusters. Instead, they are romance, comedy, and youth nostalgia. Constantly emerging.

This is exactly what young people should have, the unrestrained imagination and the talent to forge ahead.”

After speaking a long paragraph, everyone watched him speak alone.

After Tang An finally finished speaking, Guan Jinpeng spoke.

He coughed lightly and said, "What Director Tang said makes sense. Young people have the advantages of young people, and their thinking is more in line with today's trends."

However, directing is a strict position, you have to be responsible for the entire crew, and you need to be familiar with every aspect of the crew.

I remember that I was 28 years old when I was a director for the first time. In 1985, I was also a young director in Xiangjiang.In the past, the Hong Kong film industry was in the 70s and [-]s, when you were still an apprentice, no matter what industry you were in, even if it was changing a light bulb, you had to follow a master before you could do it, and then you would bring an apprentice out.

At that time in the Xiangjiang film circle, if you had no relationship with anyone in the circle, no relatives or friends, it was difficult to enter the film circle, and it was difficult for you to have a chance to perform.

In the past, as an apprentice, you wanted to be a director. You had to follow a few directors for at least ten years as a director, and then you became an assistant director. After working as an assistant director for 10 to 15 years, you had the opportunity to become a director. A 40-year-old director is considered young. , so you don’t have to be discouraged, you are still young and you still have time to learn. "

They are still young and have to learn more, which is to pour a basin of cold water on them.

Although this is not wrong, but looking at Xiangjiang Eight 90s, any director who is a bit famous, that one did not direct independently when he was around [-], or even became famous.

Moreover, these newcomers have heard similar words for countless times, and they can't help feeling a little disgusted with what Guan Jinpeng said, but they dare not show it.

Many of them have professional backgrounds, and their hearts are higher than the sky.

Besides, this new director project is to select "genius" directors.

There is a shortage of directors in the circle, but there is no shortage of mediocre directors, so what's the use of them.

The film festival is looking for capable people who lack opportunities. Besides, this is not the last century. If you are 50 or [-] years old and only direct alone, you will not be able to go with the audience.

However, Guan Jinpeng's words were somewhat opposite to Tang An's. As soon as Tang An finished speaking, he said that you are still young and you need to learn more.

Tang An wasn't too surprised. A literary film director and a commercial director, Guan Jinpeng is still from Xiangjiang, and his brokerage appointment is under Wang Jinghua's banner, and he is also the producer of "To Youth".

But Tang An didn't have time to talk to him, it's so boring to talk about it, no one can convince anyone in a debate, and it's not like a fight, if you hurt you, you will admit it.

The press conference didn't last long, and then the class started.

In the first class, it was impossible for seven teachers to teach one by one.

These [-] people have prepared a project in their hands, and they were selected based on this project. The ultimate goal is to pass the approval of the master class organizing committee and teachers, and finally be selected for shooting.

They took out their projects one by one and asked the teachers to comment one by one, which is the focus of today's class.

"Time is tight, so let's start directly. I will randomly select a director's film project."

As the biggest player on the scene, Tang An spoke unceremoniously.

I looked around at them, but no one objected.

Tang An looked down the stage. Their purpose was to criticize, point out the shortcomings, and then guide these directors to improve.

So Tang An ordered the most formally dressed young man in the crowd, with hair specially done, a tall and thin young man.

And it was obvious at a glance that this was not his usual attire.

It's not like an actor's audition, dress up handsomely, and see which director has the time to care about appearance.

On such an important occasion, their future fate can even be determined. What should be done is to revise the plan and PPT all night long.

"Hello Director Tang, hello teachers, my name is Li Chi"

The person who was called immediately got up and introduced himself briefly, with some unconcealable excitement and nervousness in his tone.

Tang An nodded without talking nonsense, "Well, please introduce your project."

Li Chi immediately walked quickly to the other side of the stage, plugged in a USB flash drive in his laptop, and a PPT immediately appeared on the projection on the big screen.

"Teachers, the film project I brought is called "Breaking the Waves". It tells the story of a Huaguo international student who encounters difficulties and prejudice in the United States. He forms a Huaguo rowing team with several other Huaguo students and wins victory and victory. A story of respect."

After summarizing the general plot in dozens of words, Li Chi began to explain his plan.

"I have watched Director Tang's "Chinese Partner", and I also understand the situation of Chinese students in the United States. The movie "Breaking the Waves" is for..."

In 5 minutes, he quickly explained his plan.

Tang An hadn't been interested since hearing the outline of the plot, and commented unceremoniously.

"Li Chi, do you remember what I said just now?"

The young man opened his mouth, as if recalling what Tang An said just now.

But Tang An didn't give him time, and continued, "I said that young directors should show their imagination and talent, and give full play to their own advantages, but your project has no vigor in terms of genre and creativity, and it is very regular , I can’t wait to keep the rules until the 50s and 60s.”

Tang An's not tactful comment made the young man's face immediately look a little ugly.

Guan Jinpeng blushed and said with a smile, "The genre is a bit old-fashioned, and there is no creativity, but judging from this plan, the narrative is relatively smooth. Although the story is a bit rigid, the overall style is not bad. Young people Even if you perform well, you can resonate with the audience, and the soundtrack you chose is also just right."

After being praised, a smile appeared on the young man's face again, and he said hastily, "Thank you, Director Guan."

Tang An shook his head secretly, any project would not be useless, it is very easy to insist on finding the bright spots.

But what Guan Jinpeng said can't cover up the problem of the plot itself.

Tang Andao, "Working hard can really resonate with the audience. After all, all of us are working hard for the future and the future all the time. However, the story of your project is too plain and there is no turning point. The protagonist wants to form a rowing team because of prejudice. Why? It's not a rowing team. The explanation in your story is that there happens to be a rowing competition in the local area, and the protagonist happens to know a little bit. This explanation used to be far-fetched.

And judging from your narrative, the game that was supposed to be the climax of the whole film didn't have much twists and turns. First you fell behind, then the whole team worked together to catch up slowly, and finally won the game and won the first place. After that, you got the approval of foreigners. It’s too peaceful, as you can imagine, it’s hard for the audience’s emotions to fluctuate with the plot, and those soundtracks are useless without the corresponding screen.”

The more he talked, the more the young man's face became more and more depressed.

Guan Jinpeng was also a little upset. As soon as he finished boasting, Tang An dismissed him as useless and even dismissed some of the advantages he mentioned.

The other 29 people in the audience also had different expressions, some were deep in thought, and some didn't think much of what Tang An said.

But Tang An didn't finish his sentence, "This type of film is easy to shoot. There have been countless similar films in the past few decades, but it is not that simple to make a good one. The plot you introduced at the beginning determines that it is A failed project, I suggest you upload this plot to any movie-related forum or website tomorrow, the comments below will be "boring" or no response at all."

This is even more ugly. The audience is full of young people, including foreign students, and professional directors who graduated from professional colleges. They always think that they are just looking for an opportunity and lacking an investment, or they will be the next Tang An.

Tang An looked at the group of young directors in the audience, and it might be that what he said was a bit serious, but if he couldn't listen to it, he deserved to be thrown into the street.

Several people showed dissatisfaction on their faces, including the client.

Tang An picked up the teacup and moistened his throat.

"I know you are not convinced, and you can deny a movie just by looking at the plot outline. But let me tell you, the director, star, IP, title, and plot introduction are the few things that a small-budget movie can attract audiences. Conditions, and your film may not have big stars or big IP, so you need a title that is eye-catching enough, at least so that the audience will search it, and if the plot introduction can attract them, half the battle will be achieved. "

"It's not just the audience, it's also an important condition for you to attract investors. If I were an investor, it's impossible for me to pay a penny for this plot!"

"Don't be unconvinced. Let me give you an example. At the 2011 Huaguo Film Project Venture Capital Conference, a movie called "The Piano of the Steel" was released. People can't understand how to make a movie with several artificial pianos, and the director just used a 40-character summary to get the investment opportunity."

"Does anyone remember those short 40 characters?" Tang An asked, looking around.

Everyone, look at me and I look at you. You have basically seen "The Piano". This film won the Best Actor Award at the Dongjing Film Festival, and also won the best film at the Shanghai Film Festival, Golden Rooster, and Golden Horse Film Festival. , Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress nominations.

But everyone knows the plot, but no one remembers director Zhang Meng's introduction that impresses investors three years ago.

Tang An looked around and saw no one answered, so he smiled and said, "Actually, I don't remember too well."

???

The audience is full of question marks with black faces, you can't remember it yourself, why are you asking us?
Everyone looked at Tang An, waiting for him to continue.

Tang An didn't make a fool of himself either, "I can't remember the complete details, but I still remember that the general meaning is that the hero, with the help of retired thieves, full-time gangsters, big brothers, pork princes, and a group of down-and-out brothers, hand-made pianos. Probably I remember the words retired thief, full-time gangster, big brother of the rivers and lakes, and pork prince, this is also the reason why the director impressed President Chi of Perfect Film and Television."

"Maybe as a director, you and the investors think differently. I talked about this movie by chance during a chat with Mr. Chi. He said that at first he thought it was a film similar to "Crazy Stone". "Crazy Stone" is a group of people with different identities trying to grab a stone, while "The Piano of Steel" is a group of people with different identities trying to build a piano."

"It's as simple as that. Several characters with different identities get together and a funny story happens. This is the idea of ​​​​the investors. There is a market for comedy, and similar "Crazy Stone" has proved that this genre has the potential to become popular. "

After Tang An finished speaking, he looked at Li Chi, "The members of your rowing team in "Breaking the Waves" are almost all carved out of a mozi. You can set up several completely different characters. If there are conflicts between the characters, you can It should be better to write a comedy story following the narrative style of "Crazy Stone"."

Those who can come here through multiple selections are not idiots. At least a director has the basic ability. Li Chi thought about Tang An's words and figured it out.

He hurriedly bent down to thank Tang An, "Thank you Director Tang for your guidance, thank you."

"Clap clap clap clap"

There was applause at the scene, and it was a little sparse at first. Many people were thinking about what Tang An said just now.

Time was running out, Tang An pressed his hands together, signaling to be quiet, and the class had to continue.

Only then did I comment on one person's project. Not everyone has the opportunity in an afternoon.

Everyone stopped quickly. It would be bad if they delayed their time and didn't show up for their projects.

In the crowd, some people were still whispering. Wen Muye, who was wearing glasses, was discussing with Han Yi, an alumnus of Beijing Film Academy who also graduated with a master's degree in directing, whether to add some comedy elements to his project.

"Old Wen, your book is a literary road movie, it's okay to add comedy elements, isn't it said that "Heart Blossoming Road" directed by Ning Hao is a road comedy." Han Yi helped out with an idea.

Wen Muye nodded and asked, "What about you?"

Han Yi shook his head and said, "I won't change it, I'm in love with a ghost, I'm selling tears but not laughter."

Just as he was talking, Tang An called the roll call directly on the stage over there, and it happened to be Han Yi next to Wen Muye.

(End of this chapter)