novellhall Chapter 78:
Chapter 78:
The hype surrounding "The Forbidden Kingdom" is considerable; there have long been people in China who wanted to bring these two renowned kung fu actors together for a fight.
However, the average person cannot afford either of these two individuals, given their wealth and fame.
At their level, it's impossible for them to act alongside their peers anymore. Winning wouldn't bring them any benefits, and losing would only lower their own standing.
For example, in Jet Li's 90s film "The New Legend of Shaolin," the investors wanted to find five actors of Jet Li's caliber to act together. Putting aside the pay, it was impossible for them to do this kind of promotional work.
But when these two actually team up, publicity becomes effortless.
"Xiao Gu, what do you think of this movie?"
After the movie ended, Han Sanping pulled Gu Qing aside and asked her about the movie.
Although Gu Qing is young, he is very good at writing screenplays and has his own opinions on commercial films.
His previous casual remarks about mainstream commercial films also caught his eye.
"I didn't watch it much, but it's a good movie."
Gu Qing replied without hesitation.
Who is he? How can a new director like him evaluate this film?
In a place with lots of people and lots of gossip, what you say that day might be reported out that very night.
New director Gu Qing makes outrageous remarks, offering his opinions on a major co-production film!
He's already made enough noise lately, he doesn't want to be in the headlines anymore.
"It's just a talk, it won't have that much of an impact."
Han Sanping smiled and waved his hand as well.
Given his current position, there's nothing he can't discuss.
Releasing this film will allow us to see how it fares in both regions and prepare for the release of "Source Code".
"This is a typical Hollywood script; both the special effects and the action are masterpieces."
"So, the plot just isn't working?"
"Chairman Han, that's not what I meant."
Gu Qing quickly waved his hand in denial, saying that he did mean that, but he wouldn't admit it.
"I think the plot is okay, I can keep watching it."
Han Sanping is a serious filmmaker and can tell the difference between a good and a bad film.
"The Forbidden Kingdom" is clearly above average, but the plot is indeed a bit strange to watch.
Gu Qing didn't say much. A movie with an investment of nearly 4 million yuan, can it only be said that the plot is good? That would be a complete failure.
This is a film specifically made to please Hollywood, but it's also given a mythological background. Even Sun Wukong needs a foreigner to save the day. Will this work well in the mainland Chinese market?
But it did indeed write a Hollywood-style commercial film, a story of a poor boy learning a skill to save the world, and finally becoming strong and marrying the heroine.
At the banquet after the event, the routine questions from media reporters and the mutual flattery among the creators all unsurprisingly resulted in positive feedback.
Huayi Brothers put a lot of effort into promoting this movie.
Gu Qing was also invited to say a few words, but they were all just polite formalities.
At this point, anyone who disagrees will definitely be attacked by the crowd.
In fact, the film's box office of 1.8 million is already quite good, but compared to the cast and investment budget, it's a bit lacking.
Compared to Jackie Chan's reputation as a box office poison, Jet Li is much stronger. His previous film, "The Warlords," performed well, which is why this film was the one that put him in the lead role.
Unfortunately, it still couldn't save the show's reputation and box office performance.
This caused Huayi Brothers to suffer a major setback, with investments in two consecutive dramas going down the drain. As a result, they had no choice but to ask Feng Xiaogang for help again and have him come out of retirement.
Finally, Feng Xiaogang spent half a month writing "If You Are the One," once again proving his business acumen.
08 was quite a lively year, with two of the three major directors having projects this year: one was "If You Are the One," and the other was "Mei Lanfang."
If it weren't for Zhang Yimou having the Olympics as a major project, he probably wouldn't have been idle. Unfortunately, Zhang Weiping was already impatient, and after the Olympics ended, he dragged Zhang Yimou into making a terrible film—"A Simple Noodle Story".
This movie also reveals the discord between the two.
The conflict between Xiao Shenyang and Sun Honglei on set reflects the struggle between the two, and it was this incident that created a rift in their relationship.
But that's normal; given Zhang Weiping's stingy nature, no one could resist him.
The previous stingy artist management company was Rong Xinda, whose top female artist even left. Now, here comes a new one. Tsk tsk, capitalists are all greedy.
Fortunately, Gu Qing is not arrogant and does not need to make money through exploitation; he has his own moral bottom line.
After saying goodbye to everyone, Gu Qing prepared to leave.
"Binbin, see you on set next time."
"Yeah, I've been looking forward to it for a long time."
Li Binbin waved and left with his younger sister in a dashing manner.
The film "Source Code" is about to start filming, but unfortunately, she is only the second female lead, so she can't fully utilize her abilities.
"Director Gu, may I have a private chat with you?"
Just as Gu Qing was about to leave, a mother and daughter appeared in front of him, blocking his way.
It was Liu Yifei and her mother, Liu Xiaoli.
"Mr. Liu, it seems like we don't have much to talk about."
Gu Qing looked at the other person with some surprise, not knowing how to address them for a moment.
Calling her Miss Liu is too frivolous, and calling her Mrs. Liu is too strange; after all, she does own a film and television company.
"Sisi and I have long admired you, Mr. Gu, please do us the honor of meeting you."
Liu Xiaoli smiled, exuding elegance, and showed no sign of embarrassment.
Liu Yifei, standing to the side, didn't say anything, but stood obediently behind her mother, though her expression was slightly agitated.
Half an hour later, the three of them sat down in a teahouse.
Although Gu Qing enjoys drinking tea, he rarely comes to teahouses because those who come here are usually discussing business.
"Mr. Gu, what are your thoughts on 'The Forbidden Kingdom'?"
"It's a good movie, and Ms. Liu will surely take a big step forward in her film career."
Gu Qing took a sip of tea and said calmly.
It was indeed a big step forward, but unfortunately, the step was too big and strained the hips.
"I've come here today to discuss business with you."
Liu Xiaoli spoke to Gu Qing with considerable pride, her face showing a hint of arrogance.
Her daughter is the best. She gets to act alongside Jackie Chan and Jet Li, and she's even the female lead. That's a first in the mainland entertainment industry.
"Shouldn't you have already signed a cooperation agreement with Huayi Brothers? There's something strange about you contacting me."
Gu Qing pretended to be confused, but asked with a hint of doubt.
Although Huayi Brothers didn't publicize this news extensively, people in the industry were aware of it.
With such a star-studded cast, why should Li Binbin, Huayi Brothers' leading lady, be given a supporting role to a newcomer in the film industry?
"Director Gu is joking. My daughter, Xixi, currently has no plans to cooperate with Huayi Brothers."
"We are more eager to cooperate with you."
Liu Xiaoli made no attempt to conceal her intentions, nor did she hide her contempt for Huayi Brothers.
If it weren't for her company's financial problems, she wouldn't have considered any of them at all.
The reason for approaching Gu Qing was simply because, at present, only Gu Qing's films are well-known in Hollywood, and only Gu Qing's projects are easier to get into Hollywood.
Gu Qing finally realized what Liu Xiaoli meant.
No, is he that easy to fool?
Does this mean they think of him as a fool like Cai Yinong or Wang Zhonglei?