Chapter 217: Art Exams and Berlin

"Yuan Yuanjie, this time we'll have a good time in Europe, okay?"

Flying at an altitude of over ten thousand meters, Wei Jin held the woman in his arms and asked softly.

This year's New Year's Eve, Wei Jin finally got his wish and enjoyed the blessings of a harmonious household.

Although Gao Yuanyuan and Ceng Li still lacked tacit understanding and could not reach a point of perfect synergy, for Wei Jin, this was not an issue; after a few more times, he believed they would be like the Assistant corps and form a group spirit.

"Where would there be so much time? Don't you need to attend the opening ceremony?"

Time had already entered February, and the Berlin International Film Festival was right around the corner; although Gao Yuanyuan hoped for the two of them to be alone, she did not want to delay serious business because of it.

"Hmm, I won't attend this time; Summit Entertainment will arrange everything well. We just need to arrive before the closing ceremony; this time I will properly accompany you."

Wei Jin kissed Gao Yuanyuan's cheek; since he could not let go, and could not give her the family she wanted, he could only compensate her well.

"Mm, I'll listen to you."

Feeling the man's intentions, Gao Yuanyuan was somewhat moved, and then immediately became excited.

"So that means we have about ten days? Where are we going for our first stop?"

"Yuan Yuanjie, didn't the chief flight attendant say it when we boarded?"

Having already enjoyed the prosperity of Europe with Jing Tian, this time Wei Jin wanted to take a look at the natural scenery.

"I didn't pay attention, hurry up and tell me."

It couldn't be blamed on Gao Yuanyuan; when she first got on the plane, her eyes were only filled with curiosity.

"Switzerland."

"Mm-hmm, we'll go skiing, see the snow-capped mountains, have a snowball fight"—Beijing, inside the New Picture office.

"Weiping, this won't do; these people have no acting skills at all, it will seriously affect the quality of the film."

Zhang Yimou's expression was somewhat ugly; it was the New Year, and Zhang Weiping was causing him trouble.

"Yimou, this is a commercial film; making money and the box office are the top priorities, you shouldn't be so stubborn."

Zhang Weiping could understand Zhang Yimou's persistence, but he really found it ridiculous.

So what if they can't act? Just based on the three words Xiao Shenyang, the film's box office would increase by at least tens of millions.

He was simply too popular; the Spring Festival Gala sketch "Not Short of Money" directly made this unknown amateur leap into becoming a phenomenal top-tier celebrity in early 2009.

"Yimou, listen to me, his fame is really helpful to the box office; ask yourself, did Zhou Dong have a bonus effect on the box office of Curse of the Golden Flower?"

Although Curse of the Golden Flower suffered a box office failure under Wei Jin's sniping, Zhang Weiping still recognized Zhou Dong's drawing power.

Watching Zhang Yimou remain silent, Zhang Weiping continued to persuade: "And that side has already agreed; as long as they can join our crew, the salary is a small matter."

"Weiping, I have to be responsible for the film."

"How is it not being responsible? If the acting is bad, can't you just guide them? Have you used fewer amateurs in the past?"

"Can that be the same? Every newcomer I used was found from professional academies; people like them, who have absolutely no foundation, I really don't have that ability."

"Yimou, this is your first film after the Olympics, and it is also the first battle of your return to the film circle after two years; we must make a splash."

Since becoming a legend after the Olympics, Zhang Yimou's first film was definitely the most watched existence in the circle; if the box office was unsatisfactory, then his golden reputation would truly be shattered, which was something Zhang Weiping absolutely would not allow.

"Think about it, how much the film market has changed now; that kid Wei Jin has even pushed the record to over 600 million, and you? Your personal record is still the 'Hero' from 6 years ago; we must think of every possible way, at any cost."

Zhang Yimou was finally persuaded, or rather, "pressured" into submission.

Just after the Spring Festival, New Picture held a media meeting and announced Zhang Yimou's new film.

"We have invited Xiao Shenyang, who shone brightly at this year's Spring Festival Gala, as well as some members of the Zhao Family Troupe; this will be a brand new attempt, and it is destined to be a strong alliance."

The script is already finished, adapted from the famous foreign film Blood Simple.

The specific start date cannot be determined yet; there is still a lot of preparatory work in the early stages."—Since last December, Beijing had been flooded with many young men and women aspiring to an acting career, only at that time they were basically distributed in various training classes, not noticeable at all.

But when the art exams for the two major domestic art academies, Central Academy of Drama and Beijing Film Academy, began, the swarming tens of thousands of people instantly filled the two schools.

Jing Tian was pressed into service this year, bringing a few classmates from her class, and was helping to maintain order.

"Tian Tian, why didn't I see Senior Brother Wei at the film festival opening ceremony?"

Wei Jin being shortlisted for the Berlin International Film Festival again was definitely a top priority for everyone at Beijing Film Academy; there were certainly no lack of people paying attention to the news.

"Mm, he will arrive a few days late."

Jing Tian's tone was a bit sour; her man was on his honeymoon with another woman.

If she had known, even if she didn't pass the exam, Jing Tian wouldn't have agreed to this job; it was a waste of a good opportunity for Gao Yuanyuan.

"Do you think Senior Brother Wei can win an award this time?"

After Gao Ye became familiar with Jing Tian, she became much more lively, and was chattering away at this moment.

"I don't know if he can win an award, but if you continue to slack off, the Department Head is coming."

Jing Tian was feeling depressed at this moment; how could she have the heart to chat with a classmate, so she retorted in a lukewarm manner.

"Oh."

Gao Ye was choked by the retort and was a bit confused; Jing Tian wasn't usually like this, right? She then turned her gaze to a late newcomer.

"You, it's you, what's your name, why are you only arriving now? Don't you know the interview has started? Why don't you go line up."

The girl who was called was a bit panicked and sighed to herself that she was unlucky; how could the senior student have such sharp eyes to see her?

"Ah, Senior Sister, I'm sorry, my name is Huang Mengying."

"Dull-headed, your makeup isn't even done well, hurry up and go touch up your makeup."

After scolding the newcomer, Gao Ye felt much more at ease and became more energetic in her work. —After the Berlin International Film Festival opening ceremony, a large number of film copyrights were traded every day.

After the premiere of The Hunt, the general plot had already spread.

The domestic media was very fast; on the portal websites, there were already reviews of the film.

"This is a realistic subject that points directly to the weaknesses of human nature."

"There is a Dragon Spring sword on the tongue; it kills without seeing blood."

"The Hunt, everyone can become a hunter, and likewise, everyone can become prey."

Many people online are discussing why Wei Jin's script, which doesn't seem to have any biting satire, was rejected by the censors. At the same time, a group of old diehards gathered together.

"It looks like the script really wasn't changed, just the background was swapped; this is a bit troublesome now."

Although the power of censorship is in their hands, if they really use public office for private gain and it gets exposed, it will be a troublesome matter to some extent.

"The level of attention domestically is already very high now. If it really wins an award again, public opinion might boil over, and by then..." Although he didn't finish his sentence, everyone present knew that someone would have to stand up and take responsibility.

"What are you panicking about? Whether it can win an award is still up in the air. Besides, who can avoid negligence in their work?"

This person was quite calm and composed, not looking worried at all. In his view, if it really won an award, at worst they could find someone to take the fall and then replace them with one of their own; isn't that standard procedure? — Emperor Group, inside the Chairman's office.

"What did Shi Nansheng say?"

Boss Yang looked at Huo Wenxi with some anticipation.

Just after the Spring Festival, Golden Harvest announced this year's new film slate, "Full Circle" and "Cold War".

What was especially eye-catching was that the screenwriter for both scripts was Wei Jin, and Boss Yang naturally didn't want to miss out.

"She said investment is no problem, but it requires a 50% premium."

Huo Wenxi spoke very slowly; she was observing her boss's reaction.

In her view, this demand from Shi Nansheng was a bit excessive; is Emperor Group not worthy of being treated as an equal by Golden Harvest?

Contrary to Huo Wenxi's expectations, Boss Yang replied with no ripples on his face:

"Tell her, Emperor wants a 40% share, for both!"

Boss Yang had thought it through clearly. Whether it be artists, directors, or resources within the circle, Emperor did not hold the advantage, so a premium was an inevitable choice. Didn't you see that Edko and Media Asia didn't even have the chance to pay a premium? "Alright, Boss, but is the 'Ip Man' series really going to be suspended?"

The fact that Zhen Zidan visited Wei Jin privately made Boss Yang very furious. The third installment, which was originally about to start, was shelved directly. This was also the reason why Emperor continued to look for new profit points.

"Hmm, put it aside for a while. Some people think their wings have hardened; it's time to give them a knock." — Inside the Central Academy of Drama campus, having just finished a round of interviews, Chang Li turned her head to look at Ceng Li.

"Lizi, over ten years ago, you also participated in the exam like this, right?"

Chang Li felt a bit emotional; this was the most outstanding student she had ever taught, the pride of the Central Academy of Drama, and also the chief examiner for this year's art exam.

"Yes, Teacher Chang, it's been many years in a blink of an eye."

Ceng Li also seemed to recall the scene of her interview back then, with a hint of nostalgia on her face.

"However, you are still so beautiful; I really don't know how you maintain it."

Ceng Li's state was truly too good. Although she was almost 33 years old, she still looked like she was 27 or 28. There were quite a few people in the school who envied her.

"Not at all, Teacher Chang, you are the one who maintains yourself well; you've hardly changed at all over these years."

Facing the praise from her former head teacher, Ceng Li could only respond with a couple of modest words.

"By the way, we've interviewed several groups; have you discovered any good seedlings?"

Although she knew the glory of the Central Academy of Drama Class of 96 could not be replicated, as a professor in the acting department, Chang Li still hoped the more talent, the better.

"That Bai Yu is not bad, quite spirited."

"Hmm, he is quite good, but I don't know how many among them will be able to become successful."

It is becoming increasingly difficult for newcomers to get ahead now. Although the Central Academy of Drama is the best art institution in the country, it cannot guarantee that every student will make it. For a moment, Chang Li felt a bit dispirited. — February 12, Wei Jin and Gao Yuanyuan finished their journey and arrived in Berlin.

The plane landed, and Hunter was already waiting there early.

"Boss, you finally arrived. I can barely hold back the enthusiasm of the film distributors."

Hunter was not surprised by the new female companion by Wei Jin's side; this was perfectly normal in Hollywood.

"Don't worry about that; let's go back to the hotel first."

During the annual European Big Three festivals, a large number of film distributors are attracted, and these distributors always like to chase after big directors. As a Palme d'Or winner, Wei Jin naturally fully met their requirements.

However, before the awards ceremony, it was impossible for Wei Jin to accept any offers.

The group got into the car and began heading toward the official hotel.

"By the way, how is the lobbying work going?"

Although he had a lot of confidence in himself, Wei Jin would not miss any opportunity to increase the probability of winning. Long ago, he had already handed the relevant matters over to Summit Entertainment.

"Boss, the others are easy to talk to, but this new female chairwoman has a very unique style; she's not easy to handle."

"Then ignore her; increase the lobbying efforts on the others. She can't be the only one who has the final say, right?"

There were 7 judges in total this time, including one Huaxia director and one North American actor; these were potential allies. As long as they could win over two or three more, there was still a good chance.

"Don't worry, Boss, we are already working on it." — Arriving at the hotel, Wei Jin and Gao Yuanyuan went to their room and looked around; both were very satisfied.

Since Wei Jin's debut, the treatment he received at every film festival had improved; this time it was already a top-tier configuration, which meant he was already a top-tier international director.

After a short rest, Wei Jin went to the hotel lobby alone; Gao Yuanyuan knew he had serious business to attend to today.

Matt Damon was already waiting there; he looked very excited.

"Oh, Wei, you don't know how popular our movie is. I have a premonition that this time we are really going to take home the Best Actor crown. By then, I'll have to let Leonardo see it."

Since its premiere, "The Hunt" had been screened three extra times, and every show was packed.

Many film critics gave it high scores, and all kinds of newspapers and magazines were full of praise. Matt felt there was a great hope of winning an award; this time he could finally hold his head high in front of Leonardo.

The two had a good relationship, but Leonardo always showed off his Silver Bear trophy, leaving Matt, who had no awards to his name, completely speechless.

"Matt, forgive me for being blunt, even if you win the Silver Bear, you'd at most be on par with Leonardo. Besides, strictly speaking, he is still your senior, haha."

Leonardo had already won the Berlin Film Festival Best Actor back in '96 with "Romeo and Juliet"; he really was an out-and-out senior.

"Wei, can't you just let me be happy? We are good friends, after all."

Although Wei Jin's words were correct, they sounded very cutting.

"Haha, just a joke. But Matt, don't be overly optimistic; it's hard to say what the result will be."

Although Wei Jin had confidence, there were variables in everything. He didn't want Matt to have too high of expectations; if the result turned out unsatisfactory, he would end up disappointed.

Hearing this, Matt calmed down a little; he also realized he was being overly optimistic.

"However, even if we don't gain much in Berlin, we still have other avenues."

This script being shot as an English-language film gave Wei Jin more options, even though he knew the hope might not be very high.

"You mean—"

Matt widened his eyes, feeling somewhat uncertain.

"Yes, it is exactly as you are thinking."

The second update for today; I humbly request all readers to kindly provide a subscription, follow-up read, bookmark, monthly ticket, and recommendation vote. Thank you, everyone! (End of chapter)