Chapter 294 Lao Diao, do you want to make a movie?

On the way to the Movie Science Car.

“Are Lao Cai, Lao Zhang and the others going?”

Diao Yinan, who looked very gentle with glasses, sat in the passenger seat and asked Cai Shangjun, the bald and fat man who was driving next to him.

“Go ahead, Lao Meng should go too!”

Cai Shangjun also wore glasses, and when he was in the Department of Drama, his classmates nicknamed him “the fat and thin monk with glasses.”

The two of them had the best relationship and could talk the most when they were classmates.

As for the other founders of Honghu Creative Group, the relationship between them and the two is actually just a cooperative one at most.

The main thing is that they are not from the same class, they are just classmates.

Zhang Yang, the director of “Falling Leaves Return to Their Roots”, may have a better relationship with the two of them.

Others include Meng Jinhui, Zhang Yibai and Shi Runjiu. Zhang Yibai is from the class of 86, while the other two are one class lower than Cai Diao. Six or seven founders are from the three classes of the Department of Drama and Literature of the Central Academy of Drama.

When it was founded, Cai Shangjun was actually only a sophomore and Meng Jinhui was even a freshman.

No one would have thought that such a studio that produces “avant-garde drama” scripts would become so famous in the future.

“Old Meng is going too?”

“Didn’t he say he wouldn’t make any more movies?”

Diao Yinan looked at Cai Shangjun in surprise. Cai Shangjun smiled and said, “The recent popular program “China in Poetry” is also a project that Chen Jin cooperated with CCTV!”

“Stage play is Lao Meng’s specialty!”

“China in poetry?”

Diao Yinan hasn’t watched it, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t heard of the show.

There are a lot of discussions online, and he sometimes comes across them when watching the news.

“Lao Meng is involved in stage plays, maybe there’s a chance for us to work together!”

“Is this program created by Chen Jin or his company?”

Diao Yinan asked.

“I’m not sure, but it should be related to Chen Jin. You didn’t watch the Spring Festival Gala last year? He had a show similar to this!”

Of course, Cai Shangjun had only just made up some of Chen Jin’s information in the past few days.

Otherwise it wouldn’t be so clear.

He is actually the same kind of person as Diao Yinan, very low-key and seldom goes online. Besides screening films privately, he also conceives some scripts.

In addition to “Renshan Renhai”, he actually wrote many good books in his early years.

Before winning the Best Director Award at the Venice Film Festival, Cai Shangjun had no fame at all. In a very small circle, everyone only knew him as “Old Cai”. In 2006, when he completed his debut film “Red Combine”, he was already 40 years old.

In fact, he has been hanging around in the film and drama circles, and has directed the avant-garde drama “Paul Korchagin”; and around 2000, he took a fancy to a script by screenwriter Li Qiang, and was eager to film it, but ultimately failed. The script was later made into “The Peacock” by Gu Changwei.

Otherwise, he should have become famous a few years earlier.

Compared to the two of them, Zhang Yibai, the “Godfather of Domestic Youth Films”, is probably the most famous among these six people.

In addition to directing the TV series and movie “Love Will Always Be Loved”, there is also “Metro to Spring”, and in the future there will be other well-known works such as “My People, My Country”, “So Young” and “The Wind Dog Boy”.

But he didn’t win many awards, but he must have earned enough money.

Shi Runjiu is not a well-known person, but he is a big name in the music, film and television circles, and a regular guest at the Berlin Film Festival. He directed MVs such as Dou Xian, and of course the first road movie in China.

Zhang Yang’s “Falling Leaves Return to Their Roots” was based on his movie.

The screenwriters of several other excellent works, such as “Taking a Bath” and “Love Spicy Hot Pot”, are Shi Runjiu, Cai Shangjun and Diao Yinan.

This is a book that the three of them worked on.

Finally, Meng Jinhui did not make it in the film industry, but in the drama industry, he is currently the No. 1 box office star in China.

His status cannot be compared with Lin Zhaohua, but he is currently the most popular director in the drama circle.

The original drama “Rhino in Love” written by himself has broken many box office records and awards at home and abroad. Its performances are currently sold out. In addition to this masterpiece, he has many other works, both original and adapted, which are the kind that become hits as soon as they are released and have no worries about sales.

Happy Twist is far inferior to him, mainly because the dramas directed by him take into account both commercial and artistic aspects and have a great influence in the drama circle.

The head of drama directors of the previous generation was Lin Zhaohua, and if nothing unexpected happens, the next generation will be him and another director of the Central Academy of Drama, Tian Qinxin.

Just like the fifth generation of directors in the director circle include Zhang Yimou, Tian Zhuangzhuang, and Chen Kaige, and the sixth generation currently includes Zhang Yang and Zhang Yibai.

Cai Shangjun had just been allowed to join, won the Best Director Award at Venice, and became a leading figure of the so-called sixth generation of directors.

When you go out, your identity is given by others.

Especially in this circle.

It’s useless to brag about yourself; awards and box office are what’s real.

If you don’t have any of them, I’m sorry, you can’t even get into the director circle, let alone get investment from people; this is the reality of China’s feudal entertainment industry.

Today, the so-called fourth, fifth, and sixth generation Chinese directors cannot write random stories.

You have to be recognized by the circle before they can give you a name.

Diao Yinan is now an unknown person, not to mention the sixth generation, even the famous alumni of the Department of Drama and Literature of the Central Academy of Drama are not included in his list.

But no one underestimated him.

Because what makes him different from people like Zhang Yibai is that he has a father.

Cai Shangjun and others started from scratch. Diao Yinan, like his buddy Zhang Yang, is one of the only second-generation people in Honghu Studio.

Zhang Yang’s father, Zhang Huaxun, is a leader among the third generation of Chinese directors. His famous film “The Mysterious Big Buddha” generated over 4 million yuan in box office revenue at a time when ticket prices were only cents. It is said that nearly million people watched the film at that time.

Diao Yinan’s father was an editor in the literature department of the Xi’an Film Studio, and his mother was an actor in the Western Repertory Theatre, so he has been connected with movies since he was a child.

When Diao Yinan was in middle school, the Xi’an Film Studio was taken over by Wu Tianming, a representative of the fourth generation of directors. While Wu recruited young and talented directors for training, he also vigorously introduced excellent overseas films to provide teaching materials for these young directors.

Thanks to his efforts, the Xi’an Film Studio gave birth to the representatives of the fifth generation of directors: Chen Kaige and Zhang Yimou.

If Wu Tianming had not encountered trouble while making a movie in the United States, he would actually be the most awesome director among the fourth generation.

But Mr. Wu probably never expected that his efforts would also create an “atypical” sixth-generation director – Diao Yinan, a unique talent with both box office success and awards.

“Then this Chen Jin is quite capable!”

“I thought he only knew how to act?”

Diao Yinan was quite curious about this new Venice Film Festival winner.

The main thing is that he seemed to have started a company at the age of 19 and had made several hit films, some of which were invested by his company itself.

There are no such vigorous young people in this circle.

“Yeah, I just found out about this in the past few days!”

“Old Zhang Baiyi, they should know more than us!”

Cai Shangjun adjusted his glasses and glanced at Diao Yinan next to him: “Old Diao, you can actually talk to this Chen Jin about your play. Maybe you can get some investment. “Life Events” has already been released!”

“They have a really good relationship with China Film Group, and they were able to get a release date that’s synchronized with Venice, so the box office shouldn’t be bad!”

Not every movie can be synchronized with Venice.

Gu Changwei was in the same period at that time, so he relied on a lot of connections.

“I want it too!”

“But it also requires people to appreciate it!”

Diao Yinan sighed. After working as a screenwriter in his early years, he began directing his first film in 03.

In 07, his second film, Night Train, was shortlisted for the Cannes Un Certain Regard Award, and he became somewhat famous in the circle; but after that, he never made any movies.

It’s not that we don’t want to, but we can’t get the investment.

He is not from the Beijing Film Academy faction, and the Xi’an Film Studio is also half-dead, and the money of his seniors and juniors is not blown by the wind; Zhang Yibai does not use his own money to make his own movies, let alone invest in his friends.

The same is true for others such as Meng Jinhui.

So this script has actually been written for more than 5 years and has been revised twice, but it was rejected by several companies.

“Try it!”

“What if the other party takes a fancy to you?” “I’ll ask for you then!”

Cai Shangjun smiled and said, “Chen Jin is a good guy. He asked me to bring a hundred of them this time. He must want to cooperate with me!”

“One hundred will definitely do!”

“He makes youth films, and Dianke made his fortune in youth films. It’s possible for them to collaborate!”

“You know what? Teen movies are very popular in the market recently. The one from Formosa broke the record last month, and it’s also been a big hit in Hong Kong these days!”

What Diao Yinan was talking about was of course “You Are the Apple of My Eye”, which premiered in Taiwan on August 8 last month and has so far earned NT$19 million, or more than RMB 4 million.

Hong Kong was released the day before yesterday and was very popular on the first day.

“A campus youth film, right?”

Cai Shangjun smiled and said, “I have discussed this with Chen Jin before. Lovelorn 2 is also of this type, but it will be released on Double Eleven!”

“Chen Jin’s new film?”

“Yes, it was taken by that Guo Xun!”

“Wow, how come this guy is so fast in making movies? The movie “Life Events” has just been released, and there is another one on Double Eleven?”

Diao Yinan was really feeling a little jealous.

Drought will kill you and flood will kill you.

None of them have any movies to shoot, but they have 2 movies in 2 months.

Having money really allows you to do whatever you want!
“This movie came out at a great time!”

“This kind of youth campus film is what the country needs right now!”

“I guess we’ll have to compare them…”

Diao Yinan is not worried about the box office of this movie. According to the information he has learned, the reputation of “Those Years” seems to be quite good.

At present, even for Zhang Yimou, the reputation of youth films in China is average.

“So, after these two movies are released, Chen Jin will be rich again!”

Cai Shangjun made a joke, and Diao Yinan knew what he meant: “Haha, a little bit of exposure is enough for me to take the photo, right?”

“We are not a charity. My movie cannot make money. I can only win awards. Even winning awards may not be able to make back the cost!”

This is the embarrassing situation faced by many domestic directors at present.

If you have no fame, you really have nothing.

“Life Events” is different from it. Its director is famous and the team is strong. Moreover, the promotion and distribution are done by China Film Group and China Film Group Corporation. With Chen Jin as the lead actor, the box office is guaranteed.

What’s more, Venice caused such a sensation.

“How much do you estimate it will cost?”

“At least 1000 million!”

“At least!”

Diao Yinan sat there scratching his head and sighed, “I’ve calculated it, and we may not be able to pay a high price for the film. It’s mainly because of the expenses. The climate in Northeast China is too cold…”

“You’re wasting more money than me. I spent 800 in total!”

The investor of “Crowds and Seas” is a coal boss, and Cai Shangjun begged for money from every coal mine.

In the end, the three companies together came up with 800 million.

It hasn’t been released yet, but the cost has already been recovered, with some money made from selling overseas distribution rights and a bonus from Venice.

The Silver Lion for Best Director is worth 5 euros.

Chen Jin also has it, the Best Actor award is also 5, the Jury Grand Prix is 10; the Golden Lion is 20.

Compared with Venice’s ticket, sponsorship and box office revenue, this bonus is certainly not enough.

Every year the three major film festivals are money-making pools that can earn hundreds of millions of euros in just a few days, and the money-making is getting stronger every year.

That’s the business of film festivals.

The two of them chatted there and soon arrived at Chen Jin’s company.

Looking at the relatively small Film Science Films, Cai Shangjun and Diao Yinan did not feel surprised at all; now in the circle, except for a few companies from Huayi, many film companies are not very eye-catching because most of them are losing money.

No one would have thought that this company earned more than 3 million in bonuses last year.

This year I guess it won’t be too bad.

“Hello–“

Cai Shangjun walked to the front desk and was about to introduce himself when the girl at the front desk smiled and said, “Hello, Director Cai!”

“I saw the live broadcast of your award-winning performance at the Venice Film Festival. Brother Jin asked you to come and talk to him about it!”

“Hold on!”

“Haha~~”

Cai Shangjun smiled and glanced at Diao Yinan standing beside him. He felt that this receptionist was quite interesting.

The receptionist of this company actually knows her?

After a while, Chen Jin came out chatting and laughing with the girl at the front desk. When he saw Cai Shangjun, he quickly waved and said, “Hello, Director Cai!”

Of course Chen Jin also recognized Diao Yinan who was standing beside him.

The film “Black Coal, Thin Ice” directed by Future won the Berlin Golden Bear.

It also produced the only domestic winner of the Berlin Film Festival, which was won by Wang Jingchun after Liao Fan.

“Hello, Mr. Chen!”

Cai Shangjun was still a little shy, so Chen Jin hurriedly said, “Director Cai, you should just call me Chen Jin. Calling me Mr. Chen sounds weird!”

“Ha ha!”

“Then don’t call me Director Cai. Those who know me should call me Old Cai or Baldy!”

“Then it’s Lao Cai!”

Chen Jin was not polite, but Cai Shangjun was quite pleased to hear that. He quickly pulled Diao Yinan next to him and said, “This is my classmate, Lao Diao, who is also a director!”

“I know him. It’s Night Train. Director Diao Yinan, right?”

“I’ve watched this movie several times, it’s very realistic!”

As soon as Chen Jin said this, Diao Yinan suddenly smiled.

Who doesn’t like having their work mentioned by others? It means that the other party really recognizes you.

“Hello, Chen Jin!”

Diao Yinan stretched out his hand and shook hands with Chen Jin, feeling a little nervous.

Cai Shangjun’s words just now were still echoing in his ears. He had been preparing for this new script for several years and was really eager to film it.

But it is indeed a little difficult to say.

The Chen Jin in front of him is indeed an opportunity.

“Are Lao Meng and the others here?”

Cai Shangjun and Chen Jin came to the meeting room and someone brought them tea.

During the visit, they all saw the office of Film Science, and the atmosphere there was really different from many film and television companies they had seen.

A very relaxing environment.

“Not yet, wait a moment, no rush!”

Chen Jin sat down opposite the two of them, and at this moment Cai Shangjun’s cell phone rang.

“It should be coming!”

“I’ll go answer it outside the door!”

(End of this chapter)