Chinese entertainment director starts with filmmaking

Chapter 98: Envy, Lu Chuan

The negotiations with Beijing Film Academy were successful. Gu Qing obtained a master's degree in directing for next year, while Beijing Film Academy gained a talented young director and even solved the employment problem for many graduates.

However, he didn't publicize this matter, since it could be considered a backdoor operation.

The graduate advisor he chose was Mu Deyuan, who was no ordinary person either, with a bold and progressive film style.

More importantly, there are not many people in the directing department who can become graduate advisors. Another one is Tian Zhuangzhuang. The two have different film styles, and he is on the same level as Jiang Wen. If he were to become Jiang Wen's apprentice, wouldn't he be naturally a generation below him?

After this experience, many of the older scholars in the directing department began to look at him more favorably.

After all, he's a photography major, yet he stole the spotlight from the directing major; it's no wonder people don't like him.

And after next year, Gu Qing will be considered a member of the directing department, which will save face for them.

Although Gu Qing didn't particularly like these people, he would still give them enough face. Aside from a few other things, these people were quite good at making movies.

He can only be said to have achieved some commercial success, but his success is largely due to his scripts.

His directing skills are only passable, but he genuinely wants to learn something new through this advanced directing program.

Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige, Gu Changwei, and others are truly talented.

Having come from that era, how could one succeed without genuine skills?

[At this point, I hope readers will remember our domain name: 202ᴋᴋs.ᴄᴏᴍ]

Besides this, Gu Qing also arranged for the company to sign an employment agreement with Beijing Film Academy during this year's autumn recruitment season.

He doesn't have the boldness or ability of China Film Group to launch a new director program, but he can still manage a talent recruitment program within his own company's limited space.

Jing Tian had already completed the leave application process on the second day after returning to Beijing.

However, since it was the weekend, she had arranged to go shopping with a few of her girlfriends.

"Sweetie, you have it so easy, carefree every day. You took a long leave to film this time, we're all so envious."

"We're only sophomores, and Tian Tian is already getting so many acting roles. It seems like our class of 07 can produce a big star too."

"Hehe, Sweetie, when you become famous, don't forget us."

Inside the coffee shop, Chai Biyun, Kan Qingzi, and Hao Hao chattered amongst themselves, their eyes inadvertently revealing a hint of envy.

The girls were all around the same age, and being the pride of the nation, it was inevitable that they would have some competitive feelings.

If they were only slightly ahead, it would still inspire their fighting spirit, but Jing Tian's lead was so large that they couldn't think of anything else but admiration.

Moreover, Jing Tian has excellent family upbringing, and getting along with her is effortless. Over time, they also gave up any ulterior motives and genuinely wanted to become her close friends.

"Sigh, I still have to go to Teacher Cui's house for lessons these few days. The teacher said she wants to check my learning progress."

Jing Tian felt rather helpless, and even had some doubts in her heart. She knew her own situation best; she had only been studying for a year at most, so how could she possibly be worthy of the other party's attention?

She knew that the other person was giving her extra tutoring, but what underachiever would want a teacher to give them individual lessons?

Chai Biyun and the others roughly guessed the inside story and started chatting and laughing as they changed the subject.

"Sweetie, is it true, as the media reports, that Yang Mi stole the lead role from someone else in the 'Chinese Paladin' drama?"

Yang Mi returned to Beijing these past two days and visited the set of "Dream of the Red Chamber" again. Unfortunately, she was run into by media reporters and interviewed. However, she has clearly clarified the misunderstanding.

But everyone present was an insider; how could they not see the truth?

"Well, that's about the same idea, just so we know."

Jing Tian immediately became happy when this was mentioned, after all, who doesn't want to gossip, especially when they've seen it with their own eyes?

"Sweetie, I heard that Director Gu is preparing a TV series and is casting at the Beijing Film Academy. Is that true?"

"Then you won't have a chance to participate?"

Chai Biyun, who was most familiar with Jing Tian among the crowd, asked a question, while the other two women listened attentively, their hearts filled with excitement.

In their opinion, if Gu Qing wanted to produce a TV series, why did he have to remove Jing Tian from the mix?

They didn't dare to ask, afraid of causing a misunderstanding between the two, but they were also itching to ask, so they could only beg Chai Biyun to speak up, maybe they could also have a taste of being matchmakers?

"Qing is working on a web series. He himself said it's still in the experimental stage and he's not sure if he's confident. Besides, he doesn't want me to be too tired."

Jing Tian took a sip of milk tea, chewing on the tapioca pearls, and said nonchalantly.

In the past two days, news has been circulating from the Beijing Film Academy that Gu Qing is preparing to produce a TV series. The male and female leads will be selected from performing arts students between their sophomore and senior years. The entire academy is excited and eager for this opportunity.

Although it's not a movie, it's still a TV series starring Gu Qing. Once you've done it once, you'll get used to it, and that's how you build a connection.

"If you want to give it a try, I can ask around for you."

Jing Tian blinked and then spoke up.

In fact, the acting department teachers prefer junior and senior students, but they also understand the principle that one should become famous as early as possible, so they are not against it.

After all, the power to choose the actors ultimately rests with Gu Qing.

However, Jing Tian's advice is still very important.

Therefore, the girls' eyes were also very excited. The female lead in the TV series was not bad either, and they were only sophomores.

Gu Qing hasn't been idle at the Beijing Film Academy lately; she's held several seminars at the school's request.

Although he doesn't have any major awards to his name yet, his age and the fact that his debut film grossed 300 million worldwide still give him enough presence to command respect.

Moreover, he has studied a lot of Hollywood movies and commercial film concepts, so giving a lecture at the Beijing Film Academy would be relatively easy for him.

After several seminars, not only the acting students, but even some of the directing students looked thoughtful and felt admiration.

The directing department has always been proud and arrogant, but it is also the department that relies most on its own abilities.

Gu Qing does have impressive achievements, and there are also some rumors within the department. Gu Qing is about to enter the directing department for graduate studies. All things considered, they are family, and Gu Qing has accepted Gu Qing in his heart.

There's no way around it; there's no fool in this world who would knowingly and stubbornly oppose someone when they know they can't be their enemy.

"That kid's up to no good! His film theories are all nonsense!"

"Filmmakers should have the integrity of filmmakers; they can't serve commercial interests!"

Lu Chuan, standing in the crowd, also looked displeased.

He happened to be back at school for some business these past two days when he happened to run into Gu Qingda holding a symposium to discuss the future development of film and the plight of filmmakers.

In his opinion, he wasn't even qualified to say that, so why should you?

However, after listening to the other party's argument, I felt that what they said made a lot of sense, but I still felt unconvinced and couldn't help but say a few sarcastic remarks.

"Senior Brother Lu, others are only half-baked monks. They haven't been nurtured by art, so naturally they reek of money."

"Is Senior Brother Lu's movie in post-production by now?"

Lu Chuan's lackeys were naturally present and also spoke up in his defense.

The directing industry relies on seniority, so people like Gu Qing are naturally very resentful. With Lu Chuan taking the lead, they also chime in with their own comments.

Of course, they would never say such a thing in front of Gu Qing.

"Let's go, let's cause him trouble."

When Lu Chuan saw Gu Qing step down, he felt resentful. However, he was also shrewd and deliberately waited until the others left before trying to ambush him, so that no one would interfere.

"You must be Gu Qing. I've heard so much about you."

"Who are you?"

Gu Qing was packing her things when she saw a group of people surrounding her, which made her a little curious.

The leader had shifty eyes and wore flat glasses. He had a slightly sleazy demeanor, but he also had an arrogant air about him. He looked down on people, but because of his height, his behavior of intimidating others seemed out of place and only added to the amusement.

Only after being introduced by others did he realize that this guy was actually Lu Chuan.

To be honest, we had only bantered online a few times before, and this was the first time we had met in person. Seeing is believing, and that certainly fits his stereotype.

"Gu Qing, as a director, you constantly talk about commercialism and Hollywood style. Do you have even a trace of artistic sensibility left?"

Lu Chuan snorted coldly, extremely angry that the other party did not know his identity, and took the initiative to challenge him.

"Lu Chuan, what gives you the right to question me?"

"A symposium is naturally supposed to be about discussing your own film style, so why don't you hold one to promote your own artistic style?"

Gu Qing showed no mercy either. This guy dared to take on a job he couldn't handle without a magic staff, and his professional skills were only average in the industry.

His most famous work was plagiarism, and his subsequent commercial films were all box office flops. In the end, he even had to have his girlfriend go out with clients to secure investment, which was truly shameful.

Hmm, it seems like he could also say that he got his girlfriend to invest in him. No, he was directly invested in by his girlfriend. Being a kept man is much better than the one above.

"Hmph, you have absolutely no respect for teachers and elders. You're completely obsessed with money. Movies are works of art; we are ashamed to be associated with you!"

Lu Chuan was so angry he wanted to grind his teeth, but Gu Qing's words made perfect sense. He had only made two films so far, and he knew exactly what they were about.

Once his groundbreaking masterpiece is released, he will definitely give the other party a good talking-to.

"Fellow junior brothers, is that what you all think too?"

Gu Qing smiled, but his eyes looked around. These were all students from the directing department. He had met them a few days ago and even had pleasant conversations with many of them in private.

He has resources and connections, so these people naturally get along well with him in order to secure internships after graduation.

"Brother Gu, we also disagree with what Brother Lu Chuan said. Times are changing, and movies are not necessarily only for art."

From the crowd, a tall, slender man with regular features stepped forward and vehemently denied Lu Chuan's earlier words.

"It's Senior Brother Lu Yang! Didn't he graduate last year? I didn't expect to see him at school today!"

Lu Yang is arguably the most famous student in the directing department after Lu Chuan. He won the first prize in the campus short film competition during his time at school. As soon as he spoke, some students recognized him.

Most importantly, these words also criticized Lu Chuan and supported Gu Qing.

"You're Junior Brother Lu Yang? I've heard Teacher Mu mention you before."

"Director Gu, hello."

Lu Yang felt a little strange. He thought to himself, "He's a directing major, and you're a photography major. Is it appropriate for you to try to get close to me like this?"

The other directing students looked at each other strangely, but said nothing. They had already heard a lot of rumors.

"I've decided to apply to Professor Mu's graduate program. I think we'll be fellow students soon."

"I wonder what brings Junior Brother Lu Yang to the school this time?"

Gu Qing could easily see Lu Yang's confusion, so she also spoke up to explain.

The many directing students nearby nodded to themselves, thinking that they had just realized it; this time, they weren't really helping outsiders.

"Hey, I'm telling you, aren't you guys really underestimating me?"

Lu Chuan was furious. These people didn't take him seriously at all. This was intolerable!

"Senior Brother Lu Chuan, you should leave first. Even if Teacher Tian hears what you say, he probably won't give you a good look."

Lu Yang said with a smile, his eyes full of ill intent.

Although the film industry is conservative and closed-minded, no one dares to label a film as their own.

The Beijing Film Academy is a campus where the learning philosophy is advanced and bold. After so many years of development, film has long since transcended the simple confines of commercial art.

Once Lu Yang spoke up, the other students who were originally following Lu Chuan also chimed in, joining in the conspiracy.

Excuse me, I don't know Lu Chuan at all.

It's one thing to say it in private, but to say it in front of the person in question is incredibly rude.

"You, all of you!"

Lu Chuan was furious. He thought to himself that since his debut, everyone had treated him with utmost respect. Back when he was a graduate student, he was considered a prodigy.

Why do I seem so unwelcome when I go back to school?

What he didn't know was that Gu Qing had already established a cooperative relationship with the school, and if he wanted to work as a director or intern on a film set in the future, following Gu Qing's side would be a safe path.

However, Gu Qing is only talking right now and hasn't come up with any concrete plans yet, so most people are still observing. But their hearts are already tipping in Gu Qing's favor.

"Lu Chuan, what, do you want to debate with me? You look down on commercial films, but where does your funding for making movies come from? Does it fall from the sky?"

"Speaking of art films, I don't see any expertise in them. Do I really need to explain the 'Kekexili' incident?"

Gu Qing nodded to Lu Yang and said without any politeness.

No matter what, Lu Chuan has quite a few awards to his name, and he can't just watch others stand up for him.

Adding this hatred to him is harmless, since he has no obsession with winning awards anyway.

At worst, he can go to Hollywood and spend a fortune to win an Oscar; these days, the Oscars are still very prestigious.

"You, you guys have gone too far, waaaaah!"

Lu Chuan, of course, lacked the ability to debate with a group of scholars. Seeing that no one was on his side, he almost burst into tears. Then, he pointed at Gu Qing, covered his face with his hands, and ran away.

But in his heart, he already harbored deep resentment towards these people, especially towards Gu Qing.

"Kekexili" is his eternal pride, and he will not allow anyone else to tarnish it.