Chapter 701

"This year's Shanghai International Film Festival really has a gathering of big directors: Ang Lee, Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige, Jiang Wen, Ning Hao, Feng Xiaogang... Johnnie To, Tsui Hark..."

On the plane, Han Jia counted on her fingers, tallying the names of big directors who had already confirmed they would participate in the film festival's related activities throughout, with a rare expression of curiosity.

Withdrawing her gaze from the sunset and rosy clouds outside the window, Lin Nan couldn't help but tease:

"They all either have films to be released later, films about to start filming, or new film plans. Otherwise, how could they gather so many people?"

This Shanghai International Film Festival didn't just have many big directors; it had even more big-name actors.

Because among the films to be released from the second half of the year until the Spring Festival slot, many were massive productions with extremely gorgeous lineups.

Especially from Hong Kong, people like Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Chow Yun-fat, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Aaron Kwok, Louis Koo, and Sean Lau almost all had films to be released;

This time, for the sake of film promotion, the Hong Kong circle could be said to have come out in full force.

Of course, the mainland was not to be outdone. Look, Lin Dao himself had come too!

"We should be arriving soon; it's already past six o'clock." Liu Yifei grabbed Lin Nan's left hand, looked at his wristwatch, and interrupted.

"What, are you hungry?" Zhou Xun pulled her sunglasses down, perched them on the tip of her nose, and tilted her head to look at Liu Yifei.

"Hmm, the next film has action scenes, so I've been training extra during this period. I even exercised for over an hour before we set off this afternoon." Miss Liu pouted and nodded.

"Hmm? Next film? You two... no way? Two in a row?"

Hearing this, Zhou Xun immediately guessed something. Great, Liu Xixi had let it slip!

"'Hanson and the Beast,' is it still Yifei acting? Or is there more?" Han Jia was a bit slow to react, her eyes darting back and forth between Liu Yifei and Lin Nan in a questioning manner.

"Low profile, keep it confidential." Lin Nan lowered his voice. Fortunately, those sitting around were all their assistants; only Han Jia had come alone to meet up.

"Princess Xixi, it's just the two of us. Lin Nan doesn't have any other film plans this year; he only has these two films to accompany me."

Liu Yifei beamed with a sweet smile, showing off, without revealing that it was directed by Ning Hao.

"Good, only two is good."

Han Jia smiled inexplicably, but instantly seemed to feel she was happy too early, then restrained her smile and began to "let her imagination run wild" again.

"Sigh, as expected of you; we can't envy that."

After Zhou Xun's "sarcastic" sigh, before Liu Yifei could respond, the flight's broadcast prompt sounded; the plane was about to land at Hongqiao Airport.

At this moment, outside the airport, Yue Jun was already waiting. Beside him were several employees of Lin Nan Film Industry and three extended business cars.

"Director Yue, Daylight Entertainment is urging us for an answer. Are we going to the Magnolia Awards tomorrow night? That 'Nirvana in Fire' has received nominations and is very likely to win."

The assistant's reminder made Yue Jun unable to help but rub his temples.

He had truly been busy to death in Shanghai these past few days; apart from being responsible for the exhibition and promotion of three films, he also had to deal with all kinds of social engagements and activity invitations.

Most of them were aimed at Lin Nan; who told Lin Dao to be filming on set, where miscellaneous calls couldn't get through at all.

"Let's talk after Lin Dao and the others arrive. If they're in the mood, they can go themselves; if not, we'll send someone else.

By the way, prepare all the invitations sent for the film festival period. I'll give them to Lin Dao in a while and let him have a headache too..."

Yue Jun said with a laugh, and a few seconds later, he saw a large group of mindless fans and media paparazzi swarming and blocking a star's team at the airport exit.

A massive crowd was coming this way, with shouting, screaming, and a human wall formed by dozens of bodyguards... It was truly as conspicuous as a parade.

"Who is it, so eye-catching?"

"Seems to be... that Wu Yifan, right?"

"Heh, bad luck." Yue Jun glanced at it and spat out two words with disgust.

Capital is indeed profit-seeking, but that is a generalized statement.

Because different capitals also have differences in quality, which depends on their different methods of seeking profit—some high, some low, some black, some white, or in the gray area.

However, one thing is certain: in order to seek profit, covering up some disgusting things and indulging some disgusting artists—this is film and entertainment capital that is not very high-class!

"This person has indeed had some trouble recently, but the voices of defense in the circle are very loud; it shouldn't be a big problem and can be smoothed over."

The assistant took the initiative to explain to Yue Jun. Snakes have snake paths and rats have rat paths; sometimes the lower and middle levels of the circle know more and more clearly than the upper levels!

"Stand further away, be careful not to dirty yourself. Lin Dao doesn't like this kind of artist." Yue Jun said coldly.

"Of course, our company never deals with this type of artist; everyone has principles and bottom lines."

The assistant responded quickly; after all, their own company was one of the few good companies in the circle, and one only needed to do their own job well.

The "greasy-faced" one of the "four returned sons" with heavy makeup and a kidney-deficient look finally got into the pickup car. The paparazzi on the scene instantly scattered, returning to continue lurking;

And the fans, especially the female fans, were still shouting, simply excited to the extreme, unable to stop...

Over half an hour later, when Lin Nan's group walked out of the airport, they were greeted by more media reporters and film fans, with no brainless fans!

The four of them sat in the same business car, while the assistants and luggage went to the other two cars, and the motorcade then rushed to the hotel.

"Magnolia Awards, Weibo Movie Night, Jackie Chan Action Film Week, International Film Market Exchange Conference, Film Forum, screening activities... Good heavens, I thought I could play for a few more days this time; so many activities?"

Half-lying on the seat, Lin Nan was speechless to the extreme. Outside of his original plan, many activities seemed hard to turn down?

"You do your work, we'll do our playing; it doesn't conflict." Han Jia yawned, saying carelessly and heartlessly.

"Hmm, that works too."

Lin Nan nodded immediately; Liu Yifei, Han Jia, and Shu Chang, who would be coming later, were here to play anyway. As for Zhou Xun?

"Don't look at me, I do have some business, but I'm mainly here to relax."

Zhou Xun lay there, tilting her head and saying that before entering the TV drama crew, she had to seize the time to "rest."

"Xixi, then you guys go together."

"Hmm, okay." Liu Yifei bit into a cookie and responded.

Lin Nan pondered the Magnolia Awards matter; whether he went or not, he really didn't have a single thought or desire for a moment, so he was very indifferent.

Suddenly, the phone in his pocket vibrated, and Liu Yifei and the others subconsciously turned their attention to him.

"Ning Film?"

Lin Nan muttered suspiciously and answered the phone.

"Lin Dao, I saw reports saying you've arrived in Shanghai... Do you have time tomorrow afternoon? The group wants to invite you..."

Two minutes later, the call ended. Lin Nan was amused; compared to the Magnolia Awards ceremony, he was more interested in Ning Film's invitation.

"For the Magnolia Awards tomorrow night, Director Yue, you arrange it. Tell Producer Hou that I have an appointment with people from Ning Film and don't want to run around anymore."

"Fine, then I'll go." Yue Jun in the passenger seat nodded and agreed.

In the capital and Shanghai, traffic jams are inevitable.

Near eight o'clock in the evening, everyone arrived at the hotel, and they were all on the same floor, the 26th. Shu Chang's room was also prepared on this floor.

At the same time, the news that Lin Nan's group had arrived in Shanghai also spread in the circle.

As the "host," Ren Zhonglun was currently attending a cocktail party, with Jackie Chan, Fan Bingbing, and others by his side.

"Chairman Ren, the promotional press conference for 'Skiptrace' is at noon on the day of the opening ceremony; you must come to support us then."

Before Ren Zhonglun could react, Fan Bingbing had already raised more than half a glass of red wine and drank it down boldly.

Her exquisite and beautiful makeup, paired with an evening gown that showed off her figure, with a full chest and plump hips, was exceptionally eye-catching.

But Ren Zhonglun just nodded with a smile and took a perfunctory sip.

Perhaps seeing that the two had something to say, Fan Bingbing, after a glass of red wine, immediately made an excuse and said: "I won't disturb Chairman Ren and Big Brother from talking about business..."

Watching Fan Bingbing's back walk away, Jackie Chan turned his head back.

"Chairman Ren?"

"You have to be mentally prepared. 'Railroad Tigers' and 'Operation Meigonghe' will inevitably clash. Whether the latter is released before or after the former, it will make the public opinion after 'Railroad Tigers' is released potentially out of control, and the possibility is very high..."

Hearing Ren Zhonglun's words, Jackie Chan's expression, which had just been full of smiles because of Fan Bingbing, instantly stiffened and cooled down.

"I haven't troubled the government for anything for so many years, and I've saved up so much face; let's use it this one time, even if I know it's wrong. Whether it's good or bad afterward, I'll accept it! At worst, I just won't retire; I'll work until I die. Chairman Ren, what do you think?"

Looking at Jackie Chan, who seemed to have lost his spirit all of a sudden, Ren Zhonglun really didn't know what to say.

"Chairman Ren?"

"Then let's set the release date for the New Year slot on December 23rd, to compete against that 'See You Tomorrow,' and it's also exactly a month and a few days apart from your 'Kung Fu Yoga'... Announce it after the closing ceremony. On all promotional materials for the film, do not let him appear..."

"Hmm, no problem, Chairman Ren."

Jackie Chan paused and asked, a bit indecisive: "Should I go and ask Lin Dao about the timing of that film..."

"Forget it. When we were drafting the documents, we already 'kidnapped' him once with personal favors; do you think he doesn't have any resentment in his heart?"

Jackie Chan fell silent, and Ren Zhonglun also didn't speak again. The two held their wine glasses and drank in silence.

"Are you planning to officially announce the signing at the 'Jackie Chan Action Film Week'?" After a long time, Ren Zhonglun spoke again.

"Hmm, Chairman Ren, come and sit for a while then." Speaking of this matter, Jackie Chan's mood improved a lot.

"I don't know if I'll have time. Alright, let's stop here; tonight's social engagements have just begun..."

After saying a few words, the two separated and walked in different directions.

However, two or three seconds later, Ren Zhonglun turned his head back and glanced at Jackie Chan; his brows were slightly furrowed, and he shook his head obscurely.

…………

"Jointly produced by Media Asia, China Film Group, and Japanese capital, directed by Director John Woo, and produced by Director Gordon Chan;

Starring Zhang Hanyu, Masaharu Fukuyama, Qi Wei, Ha Ji-won, Jun Kunimura, Naoto Takenaka, Hiroyuki Kurata, Takumi Saitoh, Nanami Sakuraba, Tao Okamoto, and others;

The co-produced film 'Manhunt,' with an investment cost as high as 200 million, officially started filming in Osaka at eight o'clock this morning..."

Waking up on the morning of the 10th, a piece of film news about a China-Japan co-production that looked almost entirely like Japanese actors at a glance entered the eyes of the domestic film and television circle.

This film was called a co-production, but it always gave people the feeling of Chinese actors running into a Japanese film to play the leads? It was as awkward as could be; anyway, it just looked strange.

On the Shanghai International Film Festival side, the atmosphere had already reached a new peak, and it would open tomorrow. And next door at the Magnolia Awards, tonight would be the final and most boiling moment.

Starting from breakfast time, new invitations were constantly sent to Lin Nan;

There were too many films to be screened and promoted during the film festival; undoubtedly, Lin Nan was one of the top priorities on the list of many invitations.

"Lin Nan, we're leaving."

Liu Yifei, in casual clothes, waved at Lin Dao and then went out with Zhou Xun and Han Jia with a giggle, with their assistants in tow.

"Lin Dao, the process for the opening ceremony red carpet has been sent." Yue Jun passed by Liu Yifei and the others, greeted them, and then arrived in front of Lin Nan.

For this red carpet, Lin Nan, Liu Yifei, and Ning Hao would step onto the red carpet representing the "Operation Meigonghe" crew; hmm, and photographer's family member Xing Aina. As for the other creators, they really couldn't be gathered; they were basically all on set!

"It's truly star-studded; that group from Hong Kong takes the lion's share!"

Lin Nan took the flowchart; the first three crews to lead the opening ceremony red carpet were all from Hong Kong; many big stars were even in three or four films, and they had to walk the red carpet three or four times.

"Hmm, our order is very far back, even behind 'Cock and Bull'."

Putting down the opening ceremony red carpet flowchart, Lin Nan stood up to prepare to go out; he had to meet up with Ning Hao and go to the exhibition area to take a look.

Huanxi, which had just signed Wong Kar-wai and Peter Chan a week ago, was still the focus of the Chinese film circle at this moment.

And as a founding shareholder and big director, Ning Hao was naturally even more surrounded by people.

When he found Ning Hao, this guy was in front of the "Line Walker" booth, surrounded by a group of Hong Kong film people;

Lin Nan stopped from afar and didn't approach. He glanced at the giant poster of "League of Gods" on the side; don't say, the Jet Li Jiang Ziya look in the center position was quite familiar, exactly the same as Gandalf!

"You've even put on a hat; low-profile enough! Let's go, change to another place; there will be more media reporters in a while."

After getting rid of a group of people, Ning Hao locked onto Lin Nan's figure for the first time.

"Sister Na didn't come?"

"She definitely came; she went wandering with Huang Bo's wife.

By the way, I just saw Director Wu Ershan at the position you were just standing, staring at the poster of China Star's 'League of Gods' for a long time, and finally went to the booth to ask for a brochure..."

On the Ning Film side, a group of people were also busy.

"The press conference is set for the morning of the 15th... We will meet with Lin Dao this afternoon; this is our only most precious big director resource."

"For 'Painted Skin' and 'Painted Skin 2' back then, we cooperated very well with Lin Dao, and the relationship has always been there. This time the sincerity is also very sufficient; there shouldn't be any problems!"

"General Manager Chen, a call came from China Film Group, hoping to meet this afternoon. What do you think?"

"Is La Peikang arriving today?" The middle-aged man with a square face in his fifties sitting in the main seat asked curiously.

"Hmm, just arrived; Han Sanping is also with him."

"Oh my, China Film Group still hasn't given up? Ren Zhonglun didn't even open his mouth when he saw me yesterday!"

Ning Film's general manager said with a mocking laugh; China Film Group's way of eating was too ugly!

"So, are we meeting or not?"

"Didn't we make an appointment with Lin Dao! Say we don't have time." As soon as this sentence came out, everyone understood their general manager's meaning; it wasn't that they weren't meeting this afternoon, but that they were never meeting!

"Understood."

Just arriving at the hotel, La Peikang received the "excuse"-style refusal reason from Ning Film.

Looking at the still somewhat unwilling Chairman La, Han Sanping was speechless to the extreme.

He was also fond of grand achievements back then, but after being rejected, he still wanted face; he would make a bigger one himself and slap them back!

"Let's prepare for the subsequent itinerary first; there are quite a few meetings and forums to attend."

Hearing Han Sanping's words, La Peikang nodded; let's talk about it later.

At noon, Lin Nan spent it with Ning Hao and the others because the three women, Liu Yifei, were having a blast outside and were planning to come back in the afternoon.

And at three o'clock, when the Magnolia Awards red carpet was about to start and countless media reporters and fans were gathered, Lin Nan kept his appointment with Ning Film.

When the project "Asura" was mentioned by Ning Film's general manager, Lin Nan didn't react and was stunned for a while.

"Lin Dao, Ning Film can offer a 5% share, inviting you to be the producer of 'Asura'; even Tianshan Color can participate in the special effects business..."

The other side was offering conditions, tempting Lin Nan.

And Lin Nan, at this moment, had his mind full of the scenes of his conversation with Director Zhang of the Western Film Studio during the Spring Festival.

At that time, Director Zhang said Ning Film was preparing to burn the boats and do something big. Good heavens, was it "Asura"?!

"The 'Asura' series, we plan to make three parts. The film's story background is based on the 'Six Paths of Reincarnation' of Eastern culture as a framework, built into an original, complete mythological worldview... The investment amount for the first part exceeds 700 million, which is over 100 million US dollars..."

"5%, which is equivalent to an investment of over 35 million?"

Lin Nan muttered. If it was just a producer position, to be honest, this was definitely the top pay in the industry. But Ning Film wanted to find him to be the producer because they wanted his appeal and influence.

What is a producer? Although it is a big director-centered system in the country, in the film system, the producer is responsible for the quality of the film.

Once he accepted this position, according to his status and influence in the circle, whether he intended to or not, he would inevitably completely suppress the director's limelight... that is to say, he would definitely be the first person responsible for the film in the eyes of the audience!

"Thank you, General Manager Chen and Ning Film for your kindness, but I don't have the schedule."

"That's great, we can sign in these few days... Lin Dao, what did you say?"

Lin Nan raised his head and looked at General Manager Chen, who had an expression of disbelief, and the group of Ning Film employees who looked astonished, and then he continued to lower his head and flip through the script, flipping a bit fast.

"Lin Dao, being a producer doesn't take much energy."

"General Manager Chen, I am also an old acquaintance with Ning Film. Can you tell me what Ning Film is thinking, why you would make a film with an investment of 700 million, and this is only the first part?" Lin Nan answered the question with another question, questioning them.

The other side paused for a second or two, adjusted their emotions after being rejected, and then said:

"This project has actually been conceived and planned for several years, and we want to release it globally... This kind of magical special effects blockbuster of Eastern culture, Lin Dao understands, once it succeeds..."

Great, the old problem of state-owned enterprises!

The more backward the state-owned enterprise, the more they want to burn the boats and gamble, thinking of rebounding from the bottom in one step, directly filling up their political achievements and results!

Western Film Studio also had this idea, but Western Film Studio's burning of the boats was gambled on Lin Nan, gambled on "Pacific Rim 2"!

"The script is too weak; this is my suggestion to Ning Film."

"But foreigners may not necessarily understand our story that is too deep... 'The Forbidden Kingdom' back then, although it was criticized a lot domestically, wasn't it very famous abroad, and it made money in the end! We are trying our best to balance..."

At this moment, in Lin Nan's eyes, Ning Film's general manager was like a gambler, and Ning Film was a gambler who had already sat at the table; in this situation, they couldn't be persuaded; instead, the other side would try every means and exhaust their tongues to try to convince Lin Nan, letting Lin Nan believe them.

"If I guess correctly, 'Asura' will be officially announced for project approval in these few days, and filming will start in the second half of the year?"

Seeing the other side's non-committal expression, Lin Nan knew he had guessed right.

"'Operation Meigonghe' hasn't been released yet, 'Marriage Story' is still filming, and there is another 'Hanson and the Beast' later that I will also participate in...

General Manager Chen, I'm very sorry, I really don't have that much energy to help Ning Film be the producer."

Lin Nan said very seriously and earnestly; he couldn't carry this pot. This project was comparable to the "League of Gods" next door, and might even be more outrageous than "League of Gods"?!

The Magnolia Awards red carpet officially started at five o'clock in the afternoon. At the same time, Lin Nan also found Liu Yifei and the others.

The three people had truly been shopping for a whole day, to the point that the assistants could almost no longer hold the bags, and the car was also stuffed with quite a few.

Han Jia naturally couldn't compare to Miss Liu and Zhou Xun's extravagance, so... she sponged off this one and that one, and managed to sponge a full load.

Facing Lin Nan's "contemptuous" gaze, she was quite proud, calling it: What's wrong with girls giving each other some gifts?

"Nothing wrong, as long as you're happy; I can't afford to offend you two father and daughter." Lin Nan waved his hand and teased.

"Chairman Han just called to look for her, and she just hung up on him, haha..." Zhou Xun, wearing her newly bought sunglasses, laughed until she was rolling back and forth.

"Teacher Lin, you went to meet with the people from Ning Film, was it about their new film?" Han Jia looked at Lin Nan, who had taken Liu Yifei's bag, and asked curiously.

"How did you know?"

"Old Han said so. Uncle La is full of anger. Of course, not at you, but at the Ning Film side."

Hearing this, Lin Nan was a bit speechless. If you are full of anger now, you will have to thank heaven and earth later!

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