Chapter 667: Tribute Film—Fan Film? Grasp the Hong Kong Circle

"At eight o'clock in the morning, China Film Group issued an announcement:

Controlled and produced by China Film Group, jointly produced by Hu Hu Bayi Film Studio, Bona, Media Asia, Sanyuan Film Industry, etc., Han Sanping serves as the general planner and artistic director of the film, Huang Jianxin as the producer, and Liu Weiqiang as the director;

The tribute film, *The Founding of an Army* of the 'Founding Trilogy' series, is officially open for casting from today... The film is scheduled to officially start filming on Army Day!"

"Dengfeng International Film Industry under Director Wu Jing issued an announcement: *Wolf Warrior 2*, the second part of the *Wolf Warrior* series, has been submitted for script review;

*Wolf Warrior 2* is jointly produced by Red Star Dock, Enlight Media, Dengfeng International, and Lin Nan Film Industry, directed by and starring Wu Jing;

The film is open for audition and casting from today... The main actors need to accompany Director Wu Jing abroad for 30~60 days of field military training, and they must not fall behind during the period..."

"Famous performing artist Mr. Ge Cunzhuang, yesterday... Tian Zhuangzhuang, Chen Kaige, Feng Xiaogang... Chen Daoming, Zhang Guoli, Guan Hu, Little Zhang Ziyi, Feng Yuanzheng, Feng Gong, Liu Xiao Ling Tong, and nearly a hundred other film and television cultural celebrities arrived at the Mount Babao Auditorium this morning to mourn and send him off."

The information about the project preparation of *The Founding of an Army* and *Wolf Warrior 2* strongly climbed onto the Weibo hot search and entertainment headlines;

But for the mainstream circle of the domestic film and television industry, the matter of Old Master Ge was undoubtedly the big news.

This isn't it; Lin Nan was on the phone with Yue Jun while eating breakfast. This kind of old senior in the circle must show respect; even Tian Zhuangzhuang went.

"I heard the farewell ceremony will be held at Mount Babao the day after tomorrow, and the higher-ups have approved it to be buried in a special cemetery."

"Mm, send a couplet for me; I can be considered familiar with Teacher Ge You. But speaking of this matter, I think of that person from the Xiang family again.

At that time, he wanted to enter Mount Babao, but the higher-ups didn't approve it, and in the end, he could only hold the memorial service at the Mount Babao Funeral Home and then sneak back to Hong Kong. It was truly a laughingstock."

Lin Nan muttered; compared to this, the attitude of the relevant parties was a world of difference.

"Lin Dao, you say it like that; how can that compare? This is a people's artist who has been given a final verdict!"

"That's the truth, no problem."

Lin Nan couldn't help but smile. Old Master Ge played many big villains when he was young, but he wasn't "black" in reality, and the older he got, the more upright his image became.

"By the way, there is one more thing to tell Lin Dao. Liu Dao Weiqiang's team sent audition invitations to Zhang Yi and Lei Jiayin's studios; this matter?"

Hearing this, Lin Nan was instantly silent, a bit helpless; they just fell out yesterday...

"They should have their own judgment, right?"

"Isn't it because you often name Hong Kong, saying they can't shoot historical blockbusters well;

*The Founding of an Army* is also modern history, so Zhang Yi and Lei Jiayin's two studios thought about refusing;

But after all, it is a tribute film, and they are afraid of offending... so they came to consult my opinion."

"Mm, this idea is not wrong, then refuse it."

Lin Nan affirmed immediately. Afraid of offending China Film Group? He, the big director and the thigh of Zhang Yi and others' studios, had already offended them recently!

"Then fine, I will reply to the two studios like this."

Just after hanging up the phone, Lin Nan heard footsteps and the sound of a slight yawn.

He looked up and saw Liu Yifei, wearing pink printed pajamas, walking down lazily from the second floor.

A head of black long hair was scattered on her shoulders, that goose-egg face was as exquisite as a painting, and her skin was as moist as mutton-fat jade...

"There, I've prepared it for you, come over and eat."

"Oh."

Seeing several delicious things Lin Nan bought on the table, the dazed Liu Yifei instantly became much more energetic and accelerated her pace happily.

Actors and artists in the film and television circle had all moved.

Tribute films of the main melody undoubtedly must be performed with zero remuneration, but they are completely worth it.

Because appearing in this kind of film, and acting as modern celebrities, the additive effect on an artist's career is incomparable to other film and television works.

And *The Founding of a Republic* and *Beginning of the Great Revival* had long verified this point.

Therefore, the enthusiasm of actors in the industry for *Wolf Warrior 2* was far less than the longing for *The Founding of an Army*; after all, the latter would definitely be specially taken care of by the authorities!

But at the same time, film and television entertainment capital in the circle also saw the opportunity to drill holes.

Liu Weiqiang was reporting the audition and casting plan to La Peikang, and Han Sanping, Huang Jianxin, Yu Dong, and people from the Hu Hu Bayi Film Studio were also on the side.

"Chairman La, *The Founding of a Republic* started filming in February 2009, and *Beginning of the Great Revival* started filming in August 2010; these two films have passed six or seven years; and the Chinese film market has already undergone earth-shaking changes.

Therefore, in view of today's film market and audience, we have made bold adjustments and changes to the casting plan for *The Founding of an Army*:

That is, while ensuring that the most core roles are played by professional and powerful actors, use as many young and popular idol stars as possible. These artists all have huge fan markets, which can help expand the spread and influence of main melody tribute films among young people..."

"Tribute film, playing this set of fan films?"

Before Liu Weiqiang finished speaking, Han Sanping and Huang Jianxin exchanged glances; both of their expressions were a bit complicated, and the same thought flashed through their minds, very resistant.

"Inappropriate, *The Founding of an Army* is not an ordinary tribute film; the founding of the country, the party, and the army require solemnity, seriousness, and heroism. The vast majority of actors must be professional and powerful actors; only in this way can the temperament, aura, and spirit of the characters on the screen be in place and up to standard, not insulting those predecessors..."

Han Sanping interrupted, speaking his point of view firmly and decisively. Huang Jianxin followed closely, nodding in agreement: "That's the reason!"

Liu Weiqiang was instantly speechless; he looked at the two big bosses, Han Sanping and Huang Jianxin, and then looked at La Peikang, who didn't seem to oppose it much. And the real decision-maker was undoubtedly La Peikang!

"But in my opinion, Liu Dao's statement is also very reasonable; actors can be trained, and Liu Dao is also a big director, naturally he can do this.

China Film Group making *The Founding of an Army*, firstly it is a tribute, and secondly it is also to promote that history of opening up the world and being generous and tragic among the masses.

Since it can help expand the spread and influence of main melody tribute films among countless young people, it is not impossible to use some young idol stars; it can be considered keeping pace with the times."

La Peikang's tone was light, but it carried a sense of finality that could not be refuted;

Han Sanping and Huang Jianxin were both old foxes for many years; they understood the subtext in La Peikang's words—he was the helmsman of *The Founding of an Army*, and also the helmsman of China Film Group!

More than half an hour later, the meeting for *The Founding of an Army* at China Film Group ended.

As classmates of the 83rd class of the Beijing Film Academy directing department, and old friends and partners for many years, Huang Jianxin and Han Sanping walked out of China Film Group side by side.

Although Huang Jianxin's Sanyuan Film Industry was one of the producers, he still couldn't help but complain at this moment:

"Old Han, La Peikang is messing around a bit, right? Tribute film using idol stars? I can't believe he agreed!"

Han Sanye was also a bit speechless at the moment, but more helpless; who let him be the Chairman now. How to do it, La Peikang has the final say!

"When *Beginning of the Great Revival* was made, I gave Xiaoming face and used Yang Ying. Just this, I almost regretted it to death later! 【667-

"He still wants to use a large number of idol stars now? Sigh, let's just leave it at that. We should just stick to our own roles. Hmm, when it comes to casting, let's try our best to keep a tight grip on the core roles."

Liu Weiqiang and the rest of the Hong Kong film circle crew, who were trailing more than ten meters behind Han Sanping, were feeling very pleased at this moment.

Because the power to cast for "The Founding of an Army" could completely turn into chips for resource exchange and monetization in their hands... facing the entire film and television industry.

In fact, ever since the "The Founding of an Army" project spread within a small circle, people contacting Liu Weiqiang had been endless; how could they let go of such a rare opportunity to hold top-tier resources and seek personal gain?

…………

In the morning, not long after Lin Nan arrived at the company, he received an email from Weibo and also took a call from Cao Guowei.

How should one describe the Weibo platform? Although it is an internet social and media platform, its greatest feature is the stars and official accounts that have settled in;

Undoubtedly, its main point of profitability lies in traffic, and this means its roots must be deeply embedded in the film and entertainment industry, because this is the place with the most topics and traffic.

And so, a few years after the annual Weibo Online Ceremony around January was renamed Weibo Night, Weibo had come up with a second large-scale event.

"So, you've founded a 'Weibo Movie Night'?" Lin Nan asked back subconsciously while on the phone.

"Yes, Lin Dao. This matter will be publicly announced to the outside world early next month, and then invitations will be sent out to the entire film industry;

The invitees include: film crews that have already released movies in the past year, film crews currently filming or with unreleased movies, and actors and stars in the industry... The event involves awards and boosting movie promotion.

Unlike Weibo Night, which is set for January every year, Weibo Movie Night is set for mid-June. This year is the first edition, and we plan to hold it on June 13th. We hope Lin Dao and Producer Liu can come and sit in..."

"Isn't that during the Shanghai International Film Festival?" Lin Nan muttered.

"Yes, we chose Shanghai as the location for the first Weibo Movie Night to borrow the momentum of the Shanghai International Film Festival.

Of course, we have plenty of appeal on our own, but this makes it twice the result with half the effort, doesn't it? At that time and in that place, the number of guests who can attend will be higher, and it won't be too much trouble or involve exhausting travel..."

One has to say, the Weibo company is quite thoughtful.

Lin Nan agreed: "Alright then, although the Shanghai Film Festival hasn't sent out invitations yet, Liu Yifei and I should have a spot, after all, we have a movie competing this year."

"Good, then thank you, Lin Dao."

Hanging up the phone, Lin Nan shook his head with a smile.

In his view, the more Weibo can stir things up in the film and entertainment industry, and the better they do it, the more beneficial it is for him as the largest individual shareholder!

Scanning the news, Lin Nan found that it was indeed as he had expected.

After the screen share for "Zootopia" increased by 6 percentage points, yesterday's daily box office nearly doubled compared to the opening day, surging from 22.42 million to 60.35 million.

If nothing unexpected happens, its daily box office should continue to soar!

As for the new domestic box office champion "The Mermaid," it is hanging at a daily revenue of around 12 million, continuing to "forge ahead" and closing in on 3.3 billion.

Speaking of "The Mermaid," one has to mention Zhou Xingchi.

Although the biggest profit-making party for this movie is Lin Nan Film, the fame definitely falls entirely on Zhou Xingchi.

But it is indeed funny; the higher the box office of "The Mermaid" and the bigger Zhou Xingchi's name, the more viciously he is scolded in the Hong Kong circle, to the point where the scolding is everywhere.

Of course, they have learned to be smart now; while scolding Zhou Xingchi, they don't mention "The Mermaid" at all, don't cross the line into the mainland, and limit it to Hong Kong locally.

And Lin Nan also discovered a problem: the success of "The Mermaid" has made this "Master Xing" even more ambitious and desirous of money.

He has been staying in the mainland during this period, being approached by various capital sources... I heard someone even gave him a good idea for "cashing in":

That is, to have him develop his classic, nostalgic movie IPs from the past, such as "King of Comedy," "Shaolin Soccer"...

And don't say, in Lin Nan's view, this is indeed a good idea—a good idea for cashing in!

Near noon, Yue Jun came over with a copy of the film.

"Lin Dao, this is the copy of 'Operation Mekong' prepared by Tiangong Color. Please don't lose it; if it leaks out, the trouble will be huge."

"I'll bring it there and back the same day, there won't be any problems. By the way, we can start selecting people from Tiangong Color and Lin Nan Film recently to form a comprehensive film production team;

When the time comes, we'll send them to Warner, participating from the pre-production stage until filming ends, and we will also get a portion of the post-production..."

Lin Nan instructed; it's not just his own side, West Film and Enlight will also send people to join the crew;

Why are there strict cooperation rules for co-productions from above, and why are such great preferential treatments given to co-productions?

It's because co-productions have one benefit: domestic producers or production teams can learn the ropes while cooperating, especially when targeting major Hollywood studios, which is highly encouraged!

"Okay, I will arrange it immediately after I go down."

…………

The news of "Soul Mate" wrapping up spread through the film and television circle in the afternoon.

Compared to Ma Sichun, who only posted a simple Weibo tagging the main cast for the wrap-up, Zhou Dongyu was different; she thanked quite a few people at length.

At Taiyang Chuanhe, the artist director of the agency department was "teaching" a group of signed artists.

"In the film and television industry, we all know one truth, and that is the need for resources. But where do resources come from? The company can only act as a bridge, but whether you can secure them depends on yourselves.

There are so many big directors and film giants in the circle; they are the producers of resources and the ones who hold the power of speech! And a large number of actors with connections, networks, and backgrounds are always the first-hand contacts for those high-quality resources.

Baby and Chen He are not here today, so I'll use them as examples. They are the type of people who never lack resources... And among those present, how many can compare to them?"

The voice paused, and the artist director looked at Zhou Dongyu:

"Dongyu, your debut as a 'Mou Girl' gave you a very high starting point. But we all know that apart from Gong Li, no 'Mou Girl' can manage to never lack resources, not even Little Zhang Ziyi, and Director Zhang is a 'cold-hearted' person, hehe...

So, since you have now come into contact with the Hong Kong circle and have met and been recognized by Director Chen Kexin, you must seize the opportunity and hold tight to the Hong Kong circle... Although the Hong Kong circle has declined, the big directors in art films and award-chasing films are still very capable, have great energy, and wide networks... This is your opportunity!"

The artists looked at Zhou Dongyu with envy, and the latter also had bright eyes, as if full of spirit.

"I will."

"Good."

…………

A very inconspicuous problem was placed before Liu Yifei and Lin Nan, and that was whether to insert people into "Wolf Warrior 2"?

But after thinking carefully, this is Wu Jing's personal heroism, a big male lead movie, and it seems there really isn't any candidate that can be inserted!

"Hmm, the female lead with quite a few scenes is actually very good, but Reba might not be able to clear her schedule. 'Pacific Rim 2' is very likely to conflict with 'Wolf Warrior 2' in terms of time... Changchang's appearance isn't sharp enough, not suitable for a military film..."

Liu Yifei tilted her head and muttered to Lin Nan.

"If there's no suitable one, then forget it." Lin Dao gave up, because he couldn't think of a suitable candidate for the time being, let Wu Jing handle it.

"That's fine too, maybe Wu Jing himself has favors to reserve, let's respect the director!"

Hearing Lin Nan say this, Liu Yifei nodded immediately and chose to let it go.

However, in the next second, she started complaining to Lin Nan about Zhou Xun:

"When I was shopping with Xun-ge today, after she took a call, she actually ditched me and ran off in a hurry, saying something about going to negotiate a big play... I don't know what kind of play it is! Really! I'll make her 'carry a thorn and ask for punishment' another day. It was clearly her who asked me out, but she stood me up halfway..."

"Then let's catch her next time and ask her. A play that can make her care so much shouldn't be simple," Lin Nan said with a smile.

"Mm-hmm, that's what I think too!"

…………