Chapter 434: Celebration Banquet

Keep Running became a hit; not only did TV stations come to discuss second-round broadcasting, but several domestic video websites also wanted to buy online streaming rights, with offers one higher than another.

However, Jiang Heng did not handle this matter himself; he let Li Xiaoping take care of it.

He then brought Jing Tian and invited all the guests of "Keep Running" to have a meal together, which could be considered a celebration banquet!

At the dinner table, Deng Chao was very active, just as he was on the show.

This person is also ambitious; seeing Xu Zheng go from a small actor to a director with box office over ten billion, he was extremely envious.

At this point he already had the idea of "excel in acting then become a director," and he was currently working on a script with friends.

As for funding, that's not too hard to come by; he believed that with his talent, someone would surely be willing to invest.

But he valued the strong production and promotion capabilities of Love Outstanding Rising and Bohai; if he collaborated with Director Jiang, it would surely be better than other companies!

If he could get Director Jiang to serve as producer and make a cameo, it would be a sure profit with no loss!

Of course, his relationship with Jiang Heng was just average; he didn't dare to make demands rashly, so he thought of asking an actress from Love Outstanding Rising Film Company to be the female lead, then it would be easy to talk about.

As the only regular female guest on the show, Yang Tianbao gained a lot; in just a few days she went from being a little-known figure in the entertainment industry to a "variety show goddess," with her Weibo followers surging.

She also felt grateful toward Jiang Heng, raising her glass to thank him.

After Jiang Heng had a drink, he casually asked, "What are you busy with now?" Yang Tianbao replied, she had received the invitation for the female lead in "Detective Dee: The Dragon King of the Divine Capital," and had already signed the contract.

Jiang Heng was slightly taken aback, thinking to himself, "Historical inertia is really strong! They say her acting is poor, yet she also had her shining moments."

One was Yin Rui Ji in "Detective Dee: The Dragon King of the Divine Capital," the other was Ding Si Tian in "The Feng Shui Tomb."

Actually, the actor's own ability is one aspect; the director's guidance is also very important.

Of course, Yang Tianbao at that time was not a first-tier star, so she hadn't yet become arrogant!

Jiang Heng casually said, "Not bad, Xu Ke is a good director; perform well in the drama, and you'll benefit!"

Yang Tianbao hurriedly said, "I will, I've always been serious when filming!"

Jiang Heng laughed at that, raised his cup and took a sip.

Beside him, Huang Xiaoming quickly said, "Really, Director Jiang, baby is the most dedicated girl I've ever seen!"

Jiang Heng almost spat out his drink, laughing, "Oh, being dedicated is good, being dedicated is good; only when everyone is serious and dedicated can we produce a good show, right?"

"Yes, yes!"

"Director Jiang said it well!"

The other members of the "Keep Running" guest group echoed in agreement, but because their status was low, they didn't dare to speak recklessly; many only spoke when Jiang Heng asked.

When asked about Wang Baoke, he said he had just accepted Jia Zhangke's invitation to film an art movie.

Wang Zulang laughed, saying, "How come Baoke is doing an art film again?" Their on-screen CP was called "Blue Treasure Brothers"; off-screen their relationship wasn't great, but joking around was fine.

"I just thought his script was really awesome; I got excited and agreed without even asking about the pay!" Wang Baoke laughed heartily.

Chen He asked what the script was called; Wang Baoke said it was "Heaven's Will."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Heng felt moved, because he really liked that movie.

"It's a great film!" Jiang Heng couldn't help but say.

The others were somewhat surprised, after all the film hasn't been shot yet, how do you know?

Jiang Heng smiled and said, "Director Jia Zhangke's ability guarantees Baoke's performance won't fail; remember to invite me to the premiere!"

"Thank you, Director Jiang, I'll thank Director Jia Zhangke on your behalf first!"

Jiang Heng laughed heartily, glanced at Wang Baoke, and said, "I heard your kung fu is excellent!"

Wang Baoke immediately stood up, went to the empty space in the private room, and said, "Director Jiang, it's not me bragging to you; I started martial arts at six, was a lay disciple at the Shaolin Temple from eight to fourteen, and I've got solid kung fu!" After saying that, he performed a set of fists, and his execution was indeed impressive.

Jiang Heng clapped and laughed loudly, "Great, let's team up sometime to shoot an action movie and have some fun!"

Wang Baoke returned to his seat, gave a hehe laugh, and just said one word: "Good!"

The rest of the people at the table, however, had changed expressions.

Don't look at the foolish roles Baoke plays; in reality he's not foolish at all! Those few at the table were all thinking about how to get closer to Jiang Heng, how to collaborate, but they had no clue.

Baoke is great; this just earned him an invitation to co-star in a kung fu film.

Hearing Jiang Heng's meaning, it seems there will also be opposing roles; if they get along while filming, they won't have to worry about lacking resources later. Yang Tianbao couldn't hold back her excitement, laughing, "Does Director Jiang's film need a better-looking female supporting role? I can cameo for free!"

Jing Tian suddenly said, "We can play sisters in the film!"

Jiang Heng heard that and gave an embarrassed smile; this Da Tian Tian is always thinking about getting resources for her best friend.

"If there's a suitable role, I'll definitely use you two!"

The Sect Leader Huang quickly said, "I can also cameo for free!"

Seeing this scene, the others all echoed in agreement; Jiang Heng naturally showed a pleased attitude and casually agreed.

As for future filming, he will certainly choose suitable people; he doesn't care about that little bit of pay.

As for saying he'd film an action movie with Wang Baoke, it's purely a way to pass time when life is boring, wanting to experience the thrill of being an action movie star, not expecting much box office or money.

The meal lasted four or five hours, and they didn't disperse until after ten o'clock at night.

After returning, Da Tian Tian asked Jiang Heng, "Are you really going to film an action movie?"

Jiang Heng nodded slightly, "Yeah, I want to film something exciting; you know how good my kung fu is!"

Da Tian Tian's cheeks turned slightly red, her two index fingers twirling around each other, "I want to act too!"

"No romance scenes!"

"It's fine, I just want to act with you!"

"Oh, no problem!"

"Then can I bring Baby along?"

Jiang Heng said, "Would it be okay for her to play a passerby who gets killed?"

Da Tian Tian was dissatisfied, "How can you be so ruthless, killing flowers with a harsh hand?"

Jiang Heng laughed, "I don't even know what we're going to film yet, so I don't know if there's a suitable role for her; we'll decide later!"

"Oh, also. So when are you preparing to shoot? Next year?"

Jiang Heng laughed and said: "Definitely not, I already told the media I won't shoot next year... I mean I won't direct next year, right?"

"Uh, seems like it? I also can't quite remember, anyway you said you won't shoot a big-effects film next year, that's for sure!"

"Then it's fine; if really not possible, I'll just be the male lead and let someone else direct, that wouldn't count as going back on my word in public, right?"

"Definitely not, if your new film's budget doesn't start at a hundred million US dollars, everyone won't think you're making a movie; Director Jiang, if you shoot, it's definitely a big-effects film!" Jing Tian said matter-of-factly.

Jiang Heng, upon hearing this, became somewhat hesitant.

Actors are often limited by film genres.

Like comedic actor Zhou Xingxing, action stars Cheng Long and Li Lianjie have superb acting skills, but if they ever stop making the genre films audiences recognize, their box office will definitely collapse; as for whether their reputation will collapse, that's hard to say. (End of chapter)