Chinese Entertainment: Becoming a Superstar After a Breakup

"Shen Ze, what a great name! It pays homage to 'Blood Simple.' You like the Coen brothers too, right? I liked the name the moment I heard it." How could I not like it? It was the movie's original name when it was released. How could I not like it?

After a simple meal, Xin Yukun left. His main purpose in coming was to say hello to Shen Ze. After all, it was Shen Ze who suggested the name. Everyone knew him, and he had to say something. He couldn't just change it without saying a word. That's not something a human being would do.

Shen Ze watched Xin Yukun's retreating figure and could feel his heartfelt happiness. The film had been nominated. Putting aside empty words like "the work has been recognized," it was a good thing in terms of benefits. There was no need to consider the worst-case scenario, which Xin Yukun often said when filming: if all else fails, just edit it into a TV series and sell it to a local TV station.

The purpose of any film investment is to ensure that investors see returns. Most investors only join in if they see potential for profit, although the returns may vary. Of course, many investments fail, but that's normal.

The reason given for attracting investment for Xin Yukun's film was that it was sold to a local TV station, and many of the actors in their crew, including those from theater troupes, were professionals who specialized in making TV dramas.

And this income is certain; otherwise, the movie simply couldn't be made.

If the film is made to a slightly better standard, it could be adapted into a TV movie and acquired by a movie channel, resulting in a small profit. This is the real reason why it can attract investment.

As for a box office hit in theaters, that's a dream. People still have to live in reality. Nowadays, being shortlisted for a film festival proves what? It's highly likely that the movie channel will buy it, proving that it won't lose money.

Don't underestimate many obscure films. These are the most common films at film festivals. They may seem unknown, but just like in the entertainment industry, where there are stars, there are also extras. These lesser-known films are just trying to recoup their costs.

Being shortlisted for a film festival is a valuable experience in itself. Film festivals and film exhibitions are essentially about selling films. Little by little, you can make money – 50,000 here, 100,000 there.

……

a few days later.

"That's definitely a good thing, but I checked, and there's no acting award among the nominated categories." A few days later, Shen Ze and Dilraba had their daily video chat as usual, and Dilraba said.

This evening, the official list of films shortlisted for the Youth Film Festival was released, and "The Coffin in the Mountain" was prominently featured.

"How can you be such a girlfriend? Your boyfriend's movie has some good news, and you're here questioning it? I'm doing well, and you're not happy? Don't you want to celebrate with me?" Shen Ze said to Dilireba, with an expression that said, "How could you do this?"

"I'm happy for you that you're better, but let's skip the celebration," Dilraba said.

"Why? I need a reason. Don't you like me anymore? If you don't love me, just say so," Shen Ze said.

"I've noticed that when it comes to this, you're willing to talk about love and affection. Are you crazy? People celebrate by eating and drinking, but you're celebrating eating me. Am I your type?" Dilraba directly pointed out her boyfriend's intentions.

"Doesn't this show that I care about you?" Shen Ze said shamelessly. When he talked about celebrating earlier, he spoke frivolously, which Dilireba immediately understood.

"Don't even think about it. I shouldn't have agreed to it. I was thinking of celebrating my birthday and making you happy, but my birthday was only twenty-odd days ago. That's not enough."

"You're shameless! You have to celebrate anniversaries now? Why don't you celebrate the four years we've known each other?" Dilraba said.

"Sure," Shen Ze said.

"To be honest, you're really lucky. Your first movie, and such a low-budget one at that, actually got nominated for a film festival." Dilraba was quite happy for her boyfriend. Actually, she knew about it two days ago, but today was the official announcement.

If it weren't for her boyfriend's unhealthy mindset, she would have liked to celebrate more. He's really annoying; he takes that kind of thing too seriously.

"What is luck? That's called vision," Shen Ze said.

"You have good taste; you managed to win me over," Dilraba said.

"Why are you still bragging?" Shen Ze said.

"I learned it from you."

Amidst laughter and chatter, another night passed. Upon waking the next day, I fumbled for my phone and then suddenly felt a little awkward.

Dilraba posted a picture of the nominated film on her WeChat Moments: "Congratulations to 'The Coffin in the Mountain' for being nominated."

After washing up, I arrived at the company. After more than a month of getting used to it, I no longer need to come to the company every day like I used to.

"Shen Ze, sit down. Do you know what's most important for an artist? Especially for a newcomer, do you know what's most important?" When they arrived at Zhao Ruoyao's office, she asked. Shen Ze didn't answer; she hadn't finished speaking yet.

"As a newcomer, the most important thing is exposure. With exposure, you can get better resources and better income. Acting skills and strength are just auxiliary roles to help you reach the next level."

"The Coffin in the Mountain" was shortlisted for the 8th FIRST International Film Festival. The company only found out about it from a group chat. This film is the original "The Coffin." You didn't seem to tell the company about this. Did you only find out about it now?" Zhao Ruoyao said.

"Yes, it was just confirmed." Shen Zezhen wasn't afraid of being exposed as a fraud. His company wasn't familiar with Xin Yukun, and besides, it was the truth.

"However, this is a very important exposure for you. You should explain the situation to the company as soon as possible. I will have someone send you a copy of the document. Please remember to send it to them," Zhao Ruoyao said.

Shen Ze understood. So that was the reason. He personally felt that since the movie hadn't been released yet and hadn't won any awards, there was no need for him to promote it. Besides, he wasn't among the nominated projects. However, he had congratulated Xin Yukun privately.

"Okay." Shen Ze didn't pretend to refuse. He had already signed a contract, so cooperating with the promotion was normal. In the end, it would also benefit him.

"There's something else. You and Reba are getting very close. I heard you live in the same building?" Zhao Ruoyao asked.

"Yes, when I was renting the apartment, she happened to have a vacant place, so I rented it. It's convenient for me to come to the company, but I still spend most of my time in the dormitory now," Shen Ze said.

This was a reason he and Dilraba had come up with in advance, a precaution they were taking. They figured if they waited too long, the company would definitely find out where they lived, so it was better to be upfront. They thought the more open they were, the less suspicion they would have.

"Alright, that's all." Watching Shen Ze leave, Zhao Ruoyao patted her head, thinking that the reminder should be enough.

That was the end of it. The nomination of "The Coffin in the Mountain" did not bring Shen Ze any real benefits, as the movie had not even been released yet.

Even if the movie is released, Shen Ze doesn't expect much from it. He saw the movie in his previous life, but even now, he doesn't know the name of the person who played his character. He acted in a movie, but he's not even a minor star.

However, if the film wins awards, it will be easier for him to negotiate resources. In other words, he should probably start working on it soon.