Chapter 360

Han Jia is very happy these past two days; she no longer has to worry about the upcoming exams.

Previously, she often tried to cram at the last minute, but was always kicked by reality. The result was failing courses and having to take make-up exams.

Facts have proven that it is still useful to hug a big thigh; hugging the thigh of a Golden Lion director is the most useful!

"Teacher Jiang, then I'll head out first?"

In the office of the Directing Department's graduate division, Han Jia looked at Old Jiang with a grin, waiting for him to sign.

"I've been in the Directing Department for so many years, and your class is the worst one I've ever led. Especially you, you're not worry-free at all."

Old Jiang said the same lines he had been using for over a decade, and Han Jia treated it all as wind passing by her ears.

"Ah, yes, yes, yes. Who in the school doesn't know Teacher Jiang is amazing? From among the undergraduates, you brought out a Silver Bear-winning director like Senior Lin Nan, hehe..."

Old Jiang was so amused by Han Jia's flattery that he laughed, but she wasn't wrong; when Lin Nan first won the Silver Bear for Best Director, it was under his guidance.

While signing Han Jia's application to join the crew and her social practice form, Old Jiang asked:

"What kind of movie is this, to actually have you as an assistant director? Can you handle it? Don't go delaying Lin Nan's important business."

Hearing this, Han Jia was immediately displeased:

"Teacher Jiang, why do you look down on people? Just because I'm not good at exams doesn't mean I'm not good at practical work!"

"Fine, fine, fine, I won't say anything more. Work hard after joining the crew. Being his assistant director will make your resume look very bright. For your graduation play... have him sign on as the executive producer. Understand what I mean?"

Old Jiang ultimately couldn't hold back and said something he shouldn't have.

Han Jia's eyes were wide open at this moment, sparkling: "Teacher Jiang, you are truly so talented!"

"Senior Lin's movie this time should be a commercial film, and the investment isn't low, because he said I'm not the only assistant director."

Old Jiang nodded with a smile and added another sentence:

"When writing your thesis and doing your defense, mention this movie a few times; won't that get you past Director Tian's hurdle? Lin Nan is his prized student, so the grade shouldn't be low either."

Han Jia nodded desperately; these were words of gold!

A few minutes later, watching Han Jia's high-spirited departing back, Old Jiang shook his head with a light laugh; he really worried too much.

Domestic actors and stars have once again marched in droves to Cannes, with various candid photos flooding the internet.

On the contrary, the only Chinese film shortlisted for the main competition unit, "A Touch of Sin" directed by Jia Zhangke, has had very little news coverage, with only a few brief mentions—very ironic.

Lin Nan had received an invitation two months ago to be one of the jurors for the "Un Certain Regard" unit, but he politely declined.

Because it would take up too much time; the whole process, from screening films to the awards ceremony, takes over a month.

In the end, it was heard that Zhang Ziyi intercepted this task and has now gone to Cannes in the capacity of a film festival juror.

Now that the film festival has opened, International Zhang's press releases have subsequently been sent everywhere.

She seems to be firmly suppressing a crowd of domestic top-tier actresses like Fan Bingbing and Li Bingbing in terms of status; it's another silent battle.

"For her schedule, just listen to the notification from Bad Monkey," Lin Nan instructed Yue Jun.

Since he had personally brought people over, Zhao Liying had undoubtedly secured the role of the second female lead—that character of the small-town girl with the 'shamate' style.

"I have already instructed her agent not to accept any acting offers for the second half of this year that come from outside."

Yue Jun also had arrangements made early on, and he had other thoughts: "I think we still need to prepare TV dramas for her later.

Most actresses need TV dramas to harvest national popularity. 'Mou Girls' like Gong Li are too rare; they are very hard to replicate."

Lin Nan glanced at Yue Jun and smiled meaningfully, "Of course, don't we have so many copyrights? You've also been buying them constantly, never stopping..."

Shiba Culture.

"It was clear yesterday that Director Ning is very satisfied with your audition. I'll go talk to him again later; there shouldn't be any major problems."

Wang Jinghua said to Zhou Dongyu with a smile, sounding very confident.

Zhou Dongyu, who debuted as a 'Mou Girl', still only has "Under the Hawthorn Tree" as her notable work to date.

She urgently needs a new work, and "Breakup Buddies" satisfies all the conditions; the creative lineup is exceptionally luxurious!

Wang Jinghua is confident that, based on her status in the industry, securing the second female lead for this commercial film is absolutely no problem.

Although it's called the second female lead, in terms of screen time, it's actually more than the first female lead; it's just positioned as the second female lead.

"Mm, thank you, Wang Zong."

Zhou Dongyu smiled so hard her eyes almost disappeared.

At this moment, the assistant knocked and entered; Wang Jinghua and Zhou Dongyu both looked over subconsciously.

"What is it?"

"Wang Zong, Bad Monkey called back..."

"What did they say?"

Wang Jinghua asked immediately, and Zhou Dongyu on the side was also a bit expectant.

"They said, let's forget about it this time, and cooperate again when there's an opportunity next time."

After the assistant finished speaking, she didn't say anything more; she knew how happy her boss was after returning yesterday.

Sure enough, she saw Wang Jinghua and Zhou Dongyu; the former had an expression of astonishment and disbelief, while the latter already had a look of disappointment and frustration on her face.

"How is that possible? The audition was clearly very good; why suddenly reject it?"

Wang Jinghua had a feeling of being slapped in the face.

She never boasted about being the number one agent in the mainland, but the title given by outsiders was enough to prove her strength. Over these years, she had indeed rarely failed.

Just now, she had spoken very confidently in front of Zhou Dongyu, and now...

Zhou Dongyu also had a look of wanting to say something but stopping, feeling somewhat unwilling.

"I heard, I heard that after you left with Dongyu yesterday, Lin Dao went there."

"And then?"

"He also brought Zhao Liying from Shanhai Media." The assistant stopped at the point.

Once the words landed, the two people sitting there instantly understood.

"Dongyu, the company will help you look at movies from other big directors again..."

"I, I listen to Wang Zong."

Zhou Dongyu could only hang her head and respond.

On Jiaxing's side, it was the same.

"If nothing unexpected happens, it's that Zhao Liying. Lin Dao personally stood up for her. This feeling is really, indescribable."

Yang Mi had mixed feelings in her heart, her tone carrying a hint of complexity.

Liu Yifei was flipping through "Tracks in the Snowy Forest"; to be precise, it was the script for "The Taking of Tiger Mountain".

This is Lin Nan's next movie, and also the film she will be producing next.

"Why are you pacing back and forth?"

Looking at Lin Nan in front of her, Miss Liu asked curiously.

"I have to go see Chairman Han in a while; I'm a bit nervous, um, and a bit excited, haha..."

"It's not the first time you've talked to Chairman Han about movie investment, is it worth it?"

Liu Yifei raised her eyebrows and teased.

"You, this time is different; I'm planning to ask Chairman Han to act."

Liu Yifei shook the script in her hand, "This?"

"Right. You're so smart, guess which role I'm asking him to play?" Lin Nan's smile revealed cunning.

Liu Yifei instantly widened her eyes, with an expression of disbelief:

"You, you, you wouldn't be?"

Lin Nan nodded forcefully, "That's right, it's just as you think; it's very interesting, right? Haha..."

"I can't believe you thought of that. Hurry up and change this casual wear into sportswear; um, and sneakers too."

Liu Yifei first complained, then immediately instructed Lin Nan with a smile.

"Why do you want me to change clothes?"

"I'm afraid you'll get beaten up in a while; wear sneakers so you can run fast."

"You're really clever!"

Twenty minutes later, Liu Yifei watched Lin Nan get into the car.

She didn't forget to continue teasing: "If you see things going wrong, run quickly."

Lin Nan shook his head speechlessly; really now.

"Special ID" finally broke through 500 million, with the total box office reaching 510 million. Lu Yang got his wish and became a director in the 500 million box office club.

And at this time, "So Young" also grew to 640 million, and Zhao Wei's momentum was even stronger.

It's just that because of imported films like "Iron Man 3" and "Django Unchained", as well as the newly released "American Dreams in China".

The box office decline rate of "So Young" and "Special ID" became faster and faster.

The former's daily box office was only around 2 million, with no hope for 700 million.

The latter was still okay, but only had 3 million, also unable to cross the 600 million mark.

The box office potential of both movies was clearly about to be exhausted.

In the film and television industry, fawning over the high and trampling on the low is the norm.

Zhao Wei and Lu Yang were the two most dazzling directors during this period, garnering a lot of praise from people in the industry.

China Film Group.

Lin Nan was waiting in the reception room, hearing that Han Sanping was seeing others.

"Opening, what should the first sentence be?" Lin Nan smacked his lips and popped a slice of orange into his mouth.

"Lin Dao, you can go in now," Han Sanping's secretary came over to call him.

Although they didn't meet face-to-face, Lin Nan still saw the backs of the few people who had just left.

It was John Woo and Zhong Lifang; it should be about "The Crossing".

Han Sanping looked to be in a very good mood, his face glowing.

"You're here, sit. I've been waiting for your new movie; finally, there's news. What kind of movie is it this time, and what's the investment budget?"

Straight to the point, without any beating around the bush.

"Commercial film, preliminary budget over 100 million."

Hearing this, Han Sanping was even happier, nodding, "Over 100 million is good, the more the better; it's a big production after all."

"How many companies?"

"Preliminary plan, still our four companies, counting Enlight and Wanda."

Lin Nan specifically added the word "preliminary".

"Chairman Han, I have an idea for this film; could you support it?"

"Haha, of course, go ahead and say it."

Han Sanping waved his hand, very generous.

"I want to ask you to play a role."

Hearing Lin Nan's words, Han Sanping was quite happy for a moment, feeling it was a bit interesting:

"Ask me? Quite an idea, what role is it? Let me hear."

Lin Nan first took a sip of tea to calm his nerves.

"That, 'Tracks in the Snowy Forest'..." His voice was a bit low.

"Did you not eat or what? Speak up." Han Sanping indeed didn't hear clearly.

"That, the lead actor in 'Tracks in the Snowy Forest'."

Lin Nan let out a breath; he finally said it.

However, the atmosphere in the office suddenly, instantly, inexplicably became a bit deathly silent.

Han Sanping's smile had frozen, as if it were about to frost over and turn to ice.

He looked at Lin Nan and sneered, "Ask me to play Yang Zirong?"

"That, play Zuo, Zuo Shanshan..."

Lin Nan answered while biting the bullet, swallowing his saliva involuntarily.

"Good, good, good..."

Han Sanping nodded and kept saying good, his tone getting higher and higher.

But looking at this face and hearing this tone, why did the situation feel a bit wrong? Lin Nan felt a bit insecure.

"There."

Han Sanping pointed at the door.

Lin Nan glanced in the direction of the finger and didn't react.

"Chairman Han, what's wrong with there?"

"Hehe, get out."

Han Sanping had a cold, stay-away-from-me tone, as if he were about to explode.

"Chairman Han, you also said it, the nickname outsiders gave you, what is your status, would you care about those?"

"I said, get out, get the hell out!"

Han Sanping suddenly raised his head to look at Lin Nan, his tone even heavier, nearly scolding.

"Don't be like that, you said it yourself, China Film has money when it needs money, and people when it needs people; you just said that yesterday!"

"If you don't get out, I'll call the security department to escort you out." As he spoke, he reached for the landline.

Good fellow, for a moment Lin Nan couldn't tell if Old Han couldn't save face, or if he was truly angry.

"Fine, fine, you consider it; anyway, the script is under review, I'll wait for you..."

"Get out."

Han Sanping roared and reached for the file next to him to throw at Lin Nan.

Seeing this, Lin Nan immediately got up and ran away.

Standing at the office door, he didn't forget to continue persuading:

"Just take it as self-mockery for once, slap the faces of those people outside; I'm playing with you with a movie.

Besides, I think this movie can break 1 billion; you'll be a 1 billion box office male lead before you retire anyway.

I won't even say male lead; as long as you go act, you'll definitely be the first male lead who isn't a male lead, and the box office will definitely be able to add another 200 million, no, 300 million..."

A muffled "bang" sound.

A small booklet hit the door; fortunately, Lin Nan dodged quickly, "Chairman Han, consider it, I'll head out first."

"Get lost!"

Closing the door with quick hands, Lin Nan ran downstairs in one breath.

He looked back at the direction of Han Sanping's office:

"This resistance is a bit strong, um, maybe it was a bit abrupt; I'll grind it slowly.

If it really doesn't work, I still have a trump card. Fatherly kindness and daughterly filial piety, it all depends on you, Junior Sister Han!"

Inside the office, Han Sanping's mouth was still twitching uncontrollably, his voice very small, cursing.

"Little bastard, digging a hole for me..."

Thinking of the things he had said and promised to Lin Nan with such confidence and boldness, Han Sanping wanted to slap himself for a moment.

"... I was truly set up by this guy. Wanting me to play that kind of bullshit role, keep dreaming."

"But, this investment, this dog thing, won't really go find Ren Zhonglun, right?"

Two domestic films in a row announced their release dates, causing another wave of reports from the media and the film industry.

Enlight's "Badges of Fury" is scheduled for late June, featuring Jet Li and Wen Zhang.

Tang Ren's press releases also flooded the whole internet, with all sorts of wording, just wanting to say one thing: the female lead is Liu Shishi!

This is just fooling ordinary audiences before the movie is released. With so much less screen time than Chen Yanxi, how could she be the female lead?!

What the industry is most concerned about is the first of the two "Tiny Times" films that Guo Jingming finished filming in February, also scheduled for late June.

You have to know that as a bestseller adaptation, the example of "So Young" currently at 640 million is right before our eyes.

For a time, there were all sorts of guesses in the industry about the box office of this "Tiny Times 1", and almost no one was pessimistic.

Guo Jingming was even more high-profile: "I hope 'Tiny Times 1' can be like 'So Young', living up to the expectations of fans and audiences..."

Yang Mi also started fantasizing about the dream of going from a 500 million box office female lead to a 600 million one, and even 700 or 800 million...

"How was it?"

Seeing Lin Nan's figure, Miss Liu instantly pounced over, throwing herself into his arms, asking expectantly.

Lin Nan's idea was simply too bold; Liu Yifei even felt it was very exciting. Who would dare to let "Zuo Shanshan" play Zuo Shanshan?

"Sigh, I got scolded."

Lin Nan shook his head, supporting Liu Yifei's hips, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"Ah? He didn't beat you, did he?"

"Are you looking forward to me getting beaten?"

"Hehe, not really. But what now, change people?"

Lin Nan supported Liu Yifei and sat back on the sofa:

"How is that possible? I'm planning to visit China Film three times, to invite 'Zuo Shanshan' three times, haha...

Besides, I've already signed Han Jia to be my assistant director; if it really doesn't work, I'll let her represent the crew to talk to Chairman Han."

Hearing Lin Nan's words, Liu Yifei got up from him, holding her stomach and laughing.

"You're too bad, letting a daughter lobby her own father; I can't believe you thought of that, haha..."

Lin Nan didn't think so, explaining with a smile:

"How can this be called bad? Chairman Han is about to retire; I'm inviting him to the crew to relax properly for once.

He has been a director and a leader in the industry his whole life, but he hasn't really been an actor yet; shouldn't he try it?

A big director, how can he not have acted? You say, right?"

Liu Yifei really thought about it; it seemed to be true.

Zhang Yimou, Jiang Wen, Tian Zhuangzhuang... including Lin Nan, have all acted in movies.

(End of chapter)