America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 337, Section 335: Achieving Success

At the forum, I was surprised to find that the host was Lu Yu. She has indeed become very popular in recent years.

However, perhaps as a precaution, Lu Yu today mainly steered the conversation in the middle and rarely interrupted to express her own opinions.

He just sat quietly on his little sofa, which made Eric wonder if that style was really a strategy? A publicity stunt.

"My experience over the past year has truly shown me the gap between the two sides, and that's for sure."

"After going to the United States, I suddenly realized that making a movie is really an engineering project."

"This is a very systematic project, with each link interconnected and nested within the next."

"From actors, screenwriters, directors, producers, cinematographers, lighting technicians, sound engineers, prop masters, and special effects artists, talent is constantly being cultivated, and fresh blood is constantly being injected into this industry."

As Teng Huatao spoke, his hands spun around like wheels: "Just like a perfect system, it can operate on its own without the need for external intervention."

"A few of us observed and learned from companies like Mr. Cooper's MGM, Spielberg's DreamWorks, and Peter Jackson's Weta Digital."

"We hold a small internal meeting every week to exchange ideas and are currently drafting a comprehensive theoretical article."

"After making revisions and improvements, it will be submitted. I hope it will contribute to the development of my country's film industry."

*Clap clap clap*

Lu Yu looked at him and asked, "Director Teng, what type of film are you most interested in?"

Teng Huatao smiled and said, "I used to make more romance-themed films, but after going to Hollywood, I became more interested in science fiction."

Eric, who was drinking water, almost choked, but quickly held it in and kept his expression unchanged.

I thought to myself, "Dude, come on, people should do what they're good at." Teng Huatao has directed excellent works such as "Wang Gui and Anna" and "Love is Not Blind."

However, the film "Shanghai Fortress" ruined his reputation built up over many years, making it a piece of garbage worthy of being recorded in the history of Chinese cinema.

The little broken ball finally managed to open the door, but you kicked it back shut. Don't mess around with it.

I didn't expect this guy to get more and more excited as he talked: "Especially Cooper's 'Inception,' I was deeply shocked after watching it."

"It's fantastic! It's a sci-fi movie, but it's packed with suspense. The two elements are combined perfectly."

"So after watching it, I also thought that science fiction is actually very inclusive. It's not impossible to have a science fiction shell that contains a love story inside."

Eric pinched his thigh hard, reminding himself not to laugh, not to laugh.

But is that your reason for making "Shanghai Fortress"?

You went there to learn, but after all that learning, I indirectly closed the door to Chinese science fiction?

After calming himself down, he continued, "I think Director Teng Huatao has a point. What the outside looks like isn't important; what matters is the story inside."

"In the United States, there's a saying that goes like this: a movie company is a storytelling company; if you tell a good story, your stock price will naturally be high."

"So how do you tell a good story? First, it needs to be complete and fluent enough for people to understand."

"Sometimes we directors have an overwhelming sense of artistry. Even if it's an illogical scene, we'll force it in for some metaphor or reason."

"Sometimes it can feel very didactic, explaining the principles too clearly, like a patriarch."

"I don't think this is good; we need to learn to control ourselves."

"Most viewers already have a tough enough life; they go to the movies hoping to relax. Would they really enjoy being lectured?"

Bang bang bang bang

A round of enthusiastic applause immediately erupted from below.

The audience was temporarily brought in from art schools such as China Film Group and Beijing Film Academy, and almost all of them were students. They were the most resistant to preaching.

Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige seemed a bit uncomfortable, as if Eric's words were directed at them.

Many people criticized "Hero" for its terrible plot and incomprehensible storyline.

Like "House of Flying Daggers," it was criticized for having a nonsensical story, as if storytelling was his biggest weakness.

Chen Kaige goes without saying; didacticism is practically an integral part of his films.

Feeling a little unconvinced, he retorted, "Director Cooper, have you seen 'Farewell My Concubine'?"

Eric nodded: "Of course, I know it's your work, and it's excellent."

Do you think "Farewell My Concubine" is overly didactic?

Eric understood; the other party was somewhat unconvinced.

"Almost none. It's one of my favorite Chinese-language films, which is quite a pity."

"If it were up to me, I would definitely give the Best Foreign Language Film award to 'Farewell My Concubine' that year, without any controversy."

Upon hearing this, Chen Kaige's face immediately lit up with a smile. "Farewell My Concubine" had elevated him to a legendary status, a source of immense pride for him.

"However, the quality of a film is closely related to the director's spirit and other aspects. When a person is complacent and successful, he often unconsciously stands too high."

"Then, as I just said, when you stand on higher ground, you naturally tend to criticize others. I think it's a matter of mindset."

Unexpectedly, Eric suddenly changed the subject, clearly mocking him. Chen Kaige's smile vanished instantly.

He picked up the microphone, about to refute, when Lu Yu quickly interrupted him.

"Director Cooper, why do you think Ang Lee won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film?"

Eric didn't want to get entangled with Chen Kaige, so he directly shut him up: "There are many reasons, and the story is only one of them."

"I don't know if you've noticed something, but compared to grand narratives, it's about making a topic sound sophisticated and mysterious."

"In fact, the judges appreciate more those who focus on an individual or a family, using a small-scale approach to reveal larger themes, presenting contradictions and conflicts, or showcasing the character's growth."

"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is like that, as are previous films such as Cruel Invasion, Antonia, and All About My Mother."

"Instead of making the scenes, props, and core themes incredibly grand, it's better to be more down-to-earth."

"It feels like director Cooper is talking about me," Zhang Yimou chuckled.

Eric waved his hand: "Don't worry about it. Compared to Hero, Inception's story is more fragmented."

"I've heard many people say they don't understand the narrative of heroes, but they can understand the plot of Inception, which is amazing."

Hahahaha

The students below burst into laughter; they sensed a peer in Eric.

He dares to joke and tease people, and he can even make fun of himself. He's a really interesting person.

Eric glanced around and spotted several familiar faces in the crowd.

Among them are Tong Liya, who was once known as one of the Four Beauties, and Qiao Shan, the "Big Sword God".

They still have a youthful, student-like air about them. Some of the girls wear heavy makeup, but their skills are clearly lacking; it would be better if they didn't wear any at all.

After watching the film for a while, Feng Xiaogang finally spoke up to make his presence felt: "Director Cooper, what do you think is the way for Chinese-language commercial films to go global?"

"I have more experience in commercial films, and in my opinion, action films are still the best genre."

"Since Bruce Lee, kung fu has become a globally recognized brand, and Jackie Chan and Jet Li have made it even more famous."

"With such high-quality resources, why not use them?"

"Just as special effects blockbusters are Hollywood's trademark, horror films are Thailand's trademark, and realistic films are South Korea's trademark, you should also leverage your own strengths."

"What do you think of comedy?" Feng Xiaogang asked again.

"It's difficult. The language barrier is an insurmountable obstacle, unless it's an action comedy, but the essence of action comedy is still action."

"I've noticed that there seems to be a talent gap in Chinese kung fu stars, which is not a good sign."

"The market should give kung fu movies more opportunities, discover and cultivate more stars, and make their mark on the international market."

"Let the whole world come to China to learn how to make action movies, that's how to go global."

After talking on stage for several hours, the audience Q&A session began.

They asked all sorts of random questions, including one about Eric's love life.

He just said he was too busy with work to deal with these things, and that it didn't matter whether he believed it or not.

You can't exactly say that your fairy-like sister is my little lover, that she's been thoroughly explored, can you?

"Time's almost up. One last question. This student has been holding the answer for ages, so it's your turn."

A bespectacled boy stood up and asked in a loud voice, "Why do Chinese people necessarily need the Oscars?"

"Are our films bad without Oscars? Can't our cinematic value be realized without Oscars?"

The moment the question was raised, the room fell silent.

Lu Yu was a little confused and hurriedly tried to say something to smooth things over, while everyone else kept quiet.

The Oscars are a complex issue, but it is undeniable that they are the most prestigious and high-profile award in the world of film.

Ten years later, the Oscars were criticized more and more, as LGBTQ+ and Black people became increasingly popular.

But at least in this year, it still has a lot of value; otherwise, do you really think that all the great directors in China are fools?

It's because winning an Oscar not only elevates one's industry status but also grants access to more high-quality resources.

Unfortunately, the rules here stipulate that directors cannot submit films privately; only one film can be selected each year. However, the Oscars do not have this rule; you can submit a hundred films.

Unfortunately, many of the films submitted for selection are quite perplexing, such as "The Promise," "Xuanzang," "The Miracle of the Stupid Kid," and "Go Away Mr. Tumor."

Honestly, is there really nothing better than these at home?

Some people think it's just a matter of having a voice; once we become the world's number one power, the Oscars will be more than a gift to us.

Haha, the United States has been a superpower for so many years, but have you ever seen their team win the World Cup?

The principle is the same: first, take care of yourself. Especially the Golden Rooster Awards, even Angela Baby can win them easily, who would believe that!

It's unfair to La La Land that Moonlight won the award, but at least it's not a bad movie, just not good enough.

Seeing that the atmosphere was somewhat tense, and that the question was directed at him.

Eric picked up the microphone: "That's a good question. You mean why Chinese films need Oscar recognition, right?"

"right!"

"Let's put it another way: this isn't Chinese cinema pursuing Oscar recognition."

"How does it feel to say that Chinese films aim to conquer the Oscars?"

Wow!

Bang bang bang bang

After a moment of surprise, the entire audience erupted in enthusiastic applause.

No wonder he's a big director and a tycoon at such a young age. Look at his thinking ability and reaction speed; he's truly unmatched by ordinary people.

The bespectacled man wanted to ask more questions, but Lu Yu quickly interrupted him and announced the end of the event.

After a brief farewell, Eric was in a hurry to leave; a precious friend was waiting for him at the hotel.

But the more he tried to leave, the less he could, and he was surrounded by his classmates who rushed up to him.

There was no other way but to sign autographs and take photos, and after dragging it out for almost half an hour, I finally managed to get away.

Ding!

As soon as I swiped the door open and stepped inside, I was embraced from behind by a soft, warm body.

A low whisper came from beside him: "Come on! Come on! You lied to me, you bastard!"

"Why did you make me wait so long? You said you would be back before ten o'clock."

Eric turned and hugged the other person: "I'm sorry, I'm surrounded. I really wish I could grow wings and fly back to you."

The two looked at each other and immediately kissed.

They kissed passionately while undressing, and within ten seconds they were completely naked.

"I'm going to take a shower; it was very crowded just now."

"Let's go together, I feel sticky too."

"You haven't washed yet?"

I want to wait for you.

Eric felt a slight sting as his earlobe was bitten: "It's my pleasure, madam."

He picked up Judy and carried her to the bathroom, where the water washed over them, smoothing away the bite marks.

Judy held her head high, enjoying everything.

After returning from the traditional Chinese medicine doctor's clinic yesterday, the two of them officially became a couple.

Experiencing reality for the first time made Judy extremely excited, and she exclaimed that toys are indeed toys, while the real thing is much better.

I realized it too late. If I had tried it when I was in college, we would definitely have been together long ago.

For the next day or so, Eric and Judy stayed in the hotel and didn't go out.

Eating, sleeping, and having sex—it seems like these are the only three things left to do in life. The two are venting emotions that have been suppressed for many years.

As for the promised trip to visit the famous historical sites in Yanjing.

Go away, nobody cares about this.

After two days of lingering, the group began their journey south.

They first went to Tianjin for inspection, selected a piece of land relatively close to the port, and quickly signed a contract.

Then I went to Shenzhen, and the process was the same.

Chen Xing had already completed the preliminary work, and the local government was eagerly awaiting his arrival to select the land and sign off on it.

Based on the size of these two plots of land, the factory can accommodate at least 100,000 workers after its construction.

However, whether the production capacity can meet future needs remains to be seen, as his business is expanding rapidly.

Having done all that, Eric boarded a plane back to the United States.

(End of this chapter)