Magic Modified Huayu

But favors are mutual.

Isn’t it a good thing to have one more person with good connections in the system get the award?

Especially since everyone is so sensible and needs each other.

Needs in every sense.

Conquering a progressive female star is an experience.

Conquering a "progressive" strong woman is another experience.

Life is a myriad of experiences.

Of course I can't refuse.

"Actually, my trip to Fengtian this time wasn't entirely because of you, Director Wei. After learning about the story behind the Varyag, I was also looking forward to the film 'Great Power' itself. Furthermore, the opportunity to communicate with Mr. Shao on the spot was something I certainly couldn't refuse, so I didn't hesitate for a second."

Zhou Tao naturally transitioned the topic from Director Wei to movies, and then to Shao Chun.

This is another important reason why Director Wei preferred to let Zhou Tao host the premiere of "Great Power and Heavy Weapons".

Compared with other hosts, Zhou Tao must have the highest political literacy.

So she can best understand who the real protagonist is today.

To put it bluntly, it doesn’t really matter how much “Great Weapons” makes at the box office; the higher-ups don’t care.

What the higher-ups care about is the matter itself.

Also, clear Shao Chun’s name!

As long as this can be achieved, the Navy will not object even if the film loses money but gains publicity.

So at this time, we need a host with extremely high political literacy to focus the attention on Mr. Shao and the Varyag.

Instead of focusing on 208, engaging in some boring jealousy, and appearing in some entertainment section press release.

That is something that publicity and promotion need to consider.

The host need not care.

Zhou Tao rose rapidly in the system and obviously understood the ins and outs of it, so he quickly grasped the key points.

"Mr. Shao, Director Wei's film, 'Great Power', features a protagonist based on you, even the name hasn't been changed. As someone involved, what is your assessment of the film? Could you please share some thoughts with us?"

Zhou Tao first pulled Shao Chun to the C position.

The film's main creators all had smiles on their faces.

After filming the movie "Great Weapons", they were all considered to have been personally trained by Director Wei.

Naturally, I understand the importance of this movie and the importance of Mr. Shao himself.

There is nothing wrong with celebrities competing with each other for the center position.

You won’t compete with the political figures for the center position unless you don’t want to be in the same situation anymore.

Everyone still has a strong desire to survive.

Shao Chun naturally knew that he could not avoid being interviewed this time, so when he was called on, he readily took the microphone and began to express his feelings.

"If you ask me to evaluate whether the film 'Great Power' is true to facts, I can only give a four-character evaluation: seek truth from facts."

Director Wei clasped his hands together to express his gratitude to Mr. Shao.

This is the endorsement of the party concerned.

It is much easier for the publicity and promotion department to use it for promotion, and it will not cause backlash.

Mr. Shao smiled and said, "Director Wei, you're welcome. I should be the one thanking you. Of course, I'm not saying that the film 'Great Weapons' is 100% true. From my perspective, the degree of authenticity should be around 85%, which is already very high. Why is it not more than 90%? My personal opinion is that Director Wei portrayed me too positively. I'm actually not as selfless as the movie. Many times I'm also confused, aggrieved, and even cowardly. Director Wei deleted a lot of my human nature, which is where I think the movie can be improved."

Director Wei took the microphone and spoke directly after Mr. Shao finished speaking: "All great people like to belittle themselves. All ordinary people like me like to exaggerate their achievements. Public things are eternal, private things are temporary. As for Mr. Shao's personal achievements and image, my opinion doesn't count, the film doesn't count, and Mr. Shao himself doesn't count. This is up to everyone to decide, and it is time that counts. I believe everyone has their own scale in their hearts."

After a pause, Director Wei smiled and said to Zhou Tao, "Sister Tao, let's skip this topic, otherwise it will seem like we're flattering each other."

There was laughter and applause from the audience.

Regardless of whether it is sincere or not, it is obvious that they are willing to endorse Mr. Shao.

Of course they won't sabotage it.

Zhou Tao also followed suit.

"Okay, then let's stop flattering each other and expose our shortcomings. Mr. Shao, you've been idle for so many years. Do you feel resentful?"

Mr. Shao said frankly: "Of course I did at the beginning, but later I let it go."

Zhou Tao asked, "How did you come to terms with it?"

Mr. Shao explained, "Because none of us were enemies back then, including those who disagreed with me. Things were different back then. The line of argument wasn't completely settled yet. The whole country was feeling its way forward, and no one knew what was the right path.

"From today's perspective, purchasing the Varyag was certainly a good idea. But back then, who could have guaranteed it?

"To be honest, I don't dare. I'm just full of passion and there's also a gambling element involved.

"As long as it's for the country and the people, whether conservative or radical, there's no absolute right or wrong. We seek common ground while reserving differences; it's just a disagreement, not a life-and-death struggle. For many things, time will tell.

"The senior officials who supported me back then weren't sure of their own future. Those who opposed me back then also accomplished many great things in many fields that benefited the country and the people and will be remembered for generations to come. We can't see the future clearly, and we can only make judgments based on the current situation. We are in different positions and have different information.

"I later reviewed it countless times, and I don't think what I did was necessarily right. Of course, now it seems that I did the right thing, because I was lucky, and our country was lucky too. But what if I was unlucky?

"Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish. Those who take risks are naturally courageous, while those who are conservative are not motivated by selfish gain. If you understand Zhengzhi, you should understand that my ability to escape the National Investigation Team's investigation unscathed proves that the top brass has no bias against me. We simply disagree on this matter, but our hearts are in the right place."

"Moreover, there are many people who have sacrificed for the Varyag. Just like what Director Wei filmed, there are many unsung heroes who paid a greater price than I did, and even now their names cannot be directly disclosed.

"Compared to them, if I still care about every little thing, it would be too unfree and easy."

Having said that, Mr. Shao shook his head, his emotions still a little complicated.

"There are so many heroes, I can't even be ranked among them. As long as you can recognize this, many grievances will be blown away. I have accomplished a lot in my life. Not only did I participate in the financial development of New China, but I also participated in the construction of aircraft carriers. After doing so much in a lifetime, if you still feel aggrieved, you are a bit too self-centered. Compared to many people, my life is more than enough."

Zhou Tao clapped again.

Mr. Shao waved his hand. "Let's not talk about this anymore. I'm not entertaining enough, and my presence would affect the overall atmosphere. Director Wei, we're running out of time today, so I'll be leaving now. I wish 'Great Power' a huge hit."

"I'll take you there." Director Wei said quickly.

"No, someone will take me there."

The one who sent it was a navy man.

Wearing standard navy uniform.

After seeing this scene, everyone present perked up.

This is the Navy endorsing Mr. Shao.

It is also an endorsement for the movie "Great Power".

Anyone who wants to go against me needs to be careful.

Although everyone says that movies are just movies, who, unless they are stupid, would really ignore the political factors?

After Mr. Shao left, the film's main creators truly became the focus of the interview.

Director Wei is naturally the center of attention.

It was impossible for Zhou Tao to take over the show, so he let Director Wei express his thoughts first.

"Director Wei, 'Great Power' should be a typical mainstream theme, right?"

Director Wei nodded.

"But you seem to have said publicly and privately that you will avoid mainstream themes in the future."

"I have this idea." Director Wei did not deny it.

"Then why did you film 'Great Power' again this time?"

Director Wei spoke frankly: "Of course it was the Navy who came to me. I couldn't refuse."

Zhou Tao burst out laughing.

Director Wei added: "Just kidding, the main reason is that the story behind the Varyag is quite exciting. And I just plan to avoid mainstream themes, which doesn't mean I am against mainstream themes. As long as the story is exciting enough, I will shoot any subject."

Zhou Tao asked, "Why do you, Director Wei, want to avoid mainstream themes?"

"Because this theme has become somewhat prevalent, once everyone discovered it could make money, investors from all walks of life poured in, turning patriotism into a business. Too much is as bad as too little; even the best themes can't withstand such abuse. In my observation, the prevalence of mainstream themes has begun to resent some viewers, and this is a natural progression.

"The audience is always right. I can't possibly go against them. When I realize a subject isn't popular with the audience, I won't think about educating or guiding them. That would be too arrogant."

At this point, Director Wei shook his head.

"I know that many big directors and screenwriters in the industry are guiding the audience's aesthetic taste. Their artistic attainments are higher than mine, but I don't agree with this approach.

“Consumers are always king, and whoever holds the money has the final say.

"I don't view movies as works of art; I view them as commodities. That's why I can't become a film master. This will limit my ceiling, but I don't plan to change."

Many great directors shook their heads silently when they heard this.

They do not agree with Director Wei's point of view and feel that Director Wei puts himself too lowly.

How can someone as high as Director Wei bow to the audience when his status is already so high?

He should obviously lead the entire entertainment industry in upgrading its aesthetics.

In the entertainment industry, Director Wei's views are definitely in the minority.

Even Zhou Tao was a little shocked when he heard Director Wei say this.

After all, she came from the headquarters.

For people at the headquarters, politics comes first, and entertainment comes second.

Naturally, this goes against Director Wei’s philosophy.

Therefore, Zhou Tao admires Director Wei very much for being able to hold such a point of view even in this position.

Seeing Director Wei speaking his mind, Zhou Tao simply asked, "Director Wei, are you against grand narratives?"

Director Wei considered it for a moment, then clearly stated his opinion: "I don't object, but I will use it less."

"why?"

“Because many people are making ordinary people sacrifice in the name of the collective.

“True greatness lies in taking the lead in sacrifice, not making others pay the price.

“So I admire people like Mr. Shao, who oppose those meat eaters.

“This is also the reason why I was willing to film ‘Great Power’.

"Mr. Shao's story isn't a grand narrative. He was very aware of the price he paid and accepted it. People like him deserve praise, but sacrifice itself, in my opinion, isn't worthy of praise."

After a pause, Director Wei added, "I even think that Mr. Shao received too little compared to his contribution. But that's because I have a low level of awareness. Mr. Shao himself may not think so."

Zhou Tao really wanted to give Director Wei a thumbs up.

There are very few people who dare to say this in public.

"Director Wei thinks 'Great Power' isn't a grand narrative?"

"Of course not. In order to purchase the Varyag, many people paid a huge price, and many people also gained both fame and fortune. The interests of the country and the individual do not overlap. I don't think that after watching "Great Power's Heavy Weapons", the audience will have more pride and sense of sacrifice. I think the audience will admire these heroes represented by Mr. Shao more.

"What I truly celebrate isn't sacrifice itself, but the many heroes who, knowing they must sacrifice themselves, remain willing to do so. It's these kinds of people that a nation needs to rise. The objects of my celebration are very specific, not abstract, grand narratives."

"Even though patriotism has a price, there are still many people willing to pay it. These people are true heroes and the backbone of the nation. Compared to their efforts, they receive too little. I can't do anything for them, so I can only express my admiration for them through film.

“This is my original intention in filming ‘Great Power’.

"As for the significance of the Varyag to the country, these things are very important, but everyone knows it well, so I don't need to emphasize them. Falling behind will lead to being beaten, and truth is only within the range of artillery. Our country has come to this day through arduous journeys and already possesses truth. There are many who praise truth, and I am not the only one. I praise the heroes who created truth!"

After Director Wei finished expressing his views, he bowed to everyone.

There was a moment of silence in the theater, followed by thunderous applause.

PS: I rewatched "Nezha 2" and was once again impressed. Nezha's special effects are truly excellent, and they have a very Chinese, xianxia-like feel. When it comes to special-effects blockbusters, I've always believed that a good film is one with a decent plot and excellent special effects—a sincere commercial blockbuster. Those who boast about the drama in blockbusters are just bullshit; drama can be enjoyed on phones and computers. When you pay to see a blockbuster at the cinema, the special effects are the most valuable part.

If filmmakers are willing to spend big bucks on special effects to satisfy my viewing experience, I'm willing to spend more to support them. That's positive development, and I shouldn't resort to those unorthodox practices. "Nezha 2" has already contributed 300 yuan to the box office, and I hope there will be more such sincere blockbusters that respect the audience's viewing experience.

I praise movies that are willing to spend money on special effects. These days, the money spent on movie promotion and marketing exceeds that on special effects. I hope that the success of Nezha can create a positive cycle for such blockbusters, although I am still pessimistic.

In short, those who do well deserve support and praise, and those who don't will flop. May domestic films continue to do better. Respecting the audience isn't that hard, and neither is making money from movies. Do you really have to feed them shit? Just focus on making money. As long as you're good, the audience will let you make money.

Chapter 307: Taking Advantage of Opportunities, Sisters Relay Race