Chapter 181

There was another burst of laughter at the scene, and Leonardo was confused.

Seeing Lu Kuan explained: "Leo, this little girl beside you is named Liu Yifei, she is a young actor, and translation is her part-time job today."

Leonardo raised his eyebrows exaggeratedly: "Liu? It's very similar to my name! Very happy to meet you, Liu!"

Liu Yifei smiled and said thank you, and looked up to see Seeing Lu Kuan's dissatisfied eyes.

Hehe.

The third question was given to Seeing Lu Kuan.

"Southern Daily" reporter: "Director Lu, most of the leads in this film are Hollywood stars, and the filming location is estimated to be in North America, and it is an all-English film. May I ask if it can still be counted as a Chinese film? Will this film be good for Chinese films?"

The question is not easy to answer, belonging to the conventional style of Southern media.

Refer to Zhang Ziyi's "Memoirs of a Geisha" in later generations. She originally squeezed out Japanese actors by her own strength, but the reputation was very poor.

Because she touched the rising nationalist trend, she was scolded and was a bit unlucky.

This question is a bit sharp. If the response is not appropriate, it is easy to be labeled as a traitor and a traitor by the enemy, portraying Boss Lu as an image of bowing and scraping to Hollywood.

"The nature of a film can probably be evaluated from several aspects."

"First is the source composition of funds, which I have already said just now, so I won't repeat it."

"Secondly is the nature of co-productions. I don't know if this reporter has studied the film industry. Let's take 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Matrix', which everyone is familiar with."

"The director of 'The Lord of the Rings' is a New Zealander, the special effects were done in New Zealand, and the filming was done in New Zealand. Is this called a New Zealand film?"

"By the same token, 'The Matrix' is the same. Can we say it is a Canadian film or an Australian film?"

"No, both can only be called Hollywood films."

"It cannot be denied that the filming, shooting, project establishment, and even special effects of this 'Exotic Realm' will mostly be completed abroad."

"But things cannot be looked at on the surface. For example, special effects. I don't need to mention the domestic special effects level. A few years ago, a simple animation film had to be taken abroad for processing."

"This time, the special effects cost of the 75 million dollar budget accounts for more than half. We plan to take domestic special effects teams to New Zealand, Australia, or North America to fight instead of training, to learn others' advanced experience."

"Such a thing that is beneficial to Chinese special effects and Chinese films, can it still not be called good for Chinese films?"

The audience was talking about it, not only surprised by Seeing Lu Kuan's foresight in industrial development.

It was even more stunned by this high special effects production cost. The special effects cost of one film is enough for domestic films to shoot more than a dozen!

Everyone was full of expectations for this "Exotic Realm".

Boss Lu was still outputting.

"Back to the question of film nature, a film, in addition to the source of funds, must also look at its ideological core and plot design."

"In Exotic Realm, there is a very important concept, which is that there is a place called Ximai Farm in the film, where the passage of time is thousands of times that of the real world!"

"Do any audience members think this is like some of our myths?"

A reporter in the audience raised his hand: "One day in heaven, one year on earth!"

"That's right, very good. This idea was proposed by our Chinese sci-fi writer, and the inspiration comes from our national myths and legends."

"Including the film will also be filmed in Magic City, Beiping, etc. The most righteous scientist in the film is Chinese, not to mention that our female lead is a special forces soldier proficient in ancient Chinese martial arts!"

"This reporter, do you still think this is not a Chinese film?"

Boss Lu had a cheap look: "How can it not be?"

Han Shanping took the lead in applauding, and warm applause erupted at the scene.

Old Han must applaud. He is a producer. If this film does not carry the banner of spreading Chinese culture and Chinese films going to sea, where will his political achievements come from?

This Southern media is very hateful. If it weren't for Seeing Lu Kuan's wit, I, Old Han, would have to spend a lot of effort!

The press conference has basically come to an end here.

Reporter friends left the venue in an orderly manner with satisfaction, and the reception banquet organized by Inquiry Realm is about to begin.

The melon-eating masses watched the fun;

Fans met their idols;

Reporters completed their performance;

Celebrities got closer to Boss Lu;

And Yu Dong, Wang Changtian, Yao Jia, Xu Pengle of Shanghai Film, including Dong Shuangqiang, Gao Chengsheng, and the big and small Wangs in front of the screen.

They all realized in their hearts that the capital prototype of Inquiry Realm, this domestic entertainment or even Chinese entertainment, is gradually taking shape, and a giant ship is about to set sail and go to sea!

As expected, the domestic media the next day had already exploded, and foreign media were still brewing due to time differences.

But with the addition of Tom Cruise and Leonardo, I believe topic marketing is not a problem.

No matter if you praise or criticize, praise or scold, just mention me and you're right!

"Beiping Evening News": Young director Seeing Lu Kuan's new work "Exotic Realm" is established, with a total investment of 75 million US dollars, gathering Hollywood first-line superstars!

"Huaxi City Daily": "This film is an out-and-out Chinese film, with a huge amount of Chinese elements, Chinese myth concepts, monsters in China's 'Classic of Mountains and Seas', and Chinese ancient martial arts." Director Seeing Lu Kuan of "Exotic Realm" said so.

"China Film News": We are very happy to see a Chinese director walk into Hollywood, and see another genius carry the banner of blockbusters after "Hero". Seeing Lu Kuan, good luck! "Exotic Realm", good luck!

"Yangcheng Evening News": We can once again see Chinese elements in Hollywood films, and it is not just our kung fu and martial arts. This is a promising future. After joining the WTO and the success of the Olympic bid, another exciting news!

"Yang Zi Evening News": Recognition from domestic directors or Hollywood top actors and producers. This young director who has carried the banner of commercial films since his first film is trying to walk to the center of the world stage. Come on! Seeing Lu Kuan! Come on! Chinese films!

Of course, not all are singing praises and sending blessings. Some media still use the slogan of neutrality to say yin and yang words!

"Apple Daily": Except for the dramatic recantation of Xu and Dong, the whole press conference has completely become a show for Inquiry Realm and Seeing Lu Kuan to show off their capital, including this pseudo-sci-fi film that is neither fish nor fowl. How long do we have to lose face internationally?

"Southern Daily": It is unbelievable that there is private capital attempting to control and interfere with state-run TV stations. This is a dangerous signal!

By the next day, the US "Los Angeles Times", France's "Le Figaro", Italy's "Film", including "Screen", "Variety" and other international mainstream film media all published relevant reports.

First, the "Los Angeles Times", which is close to Hollywood, conducted an exclusive interview with Leonardo. The latter sang praises to this young Oriental director in the interview, and even mentioned that even Martin Scorsese appreciates him very much.

"Le Figaro" had conducted an exclusive interview with Seeing Lu Kuan at the Cannes Film Festival and highly recognized this young director's exploration of film narrative techniques, but this time it bluntly said that it was a wrong choice for him. Such a talented director should not embrace commercial films too early!

"Variety" compared this Chinese director with Ang Lee and Wu Yusen who have already made a name for themselves in Hollywood, proposing that this is a genius who is both proficient in Hollywood film techniques and has his own creative ambitions, and it is worth North American audiences looking forward to this blockbuster.

He Xi, Liu Cixin, Wang Jinkang, and "Science Fiction World" all expressed their support on their official blogs, and even more excited are the few sci-fi fans in China.

They have always been familiar with Hollywood sci-fi blockbusters, and this time they can finally support a sci-fi film with their own country and cultural connotation!

These sci-fi fans poured into the blog homepages of Inquiry Realm and Seeing Lu Kuan, offering advice one after another, actively leaving messages like the fans of "Chinese Paladin" before.

"Director Lu! I think the story of 'Six Paths of Sentient Beings' is stronger, you can consider it!"

"Upstairs, 'Six Paths of Sentient Beings' involves government conspiracies and cannot pass the review. Don't harm people!"

"My cousin is an editor-in-chief at 'Science Fiction World'. I heard that Inquiry Realm has already bought the adaptation rights for more than 20 medium and short stories. Don't panic, one by one!"

Because the halo and topic degree of the 75 million dollar film are too dazzling, it even overshadowed the topic of Travel Satellite TV changing hands.

As for the "real-name reporting" of the two women Xu and Dong that was noisy before, it looks more like a joke now, completely losing attention.

One force descends ten meetings. In the face of powerful strength, these ghost tricks are all pediatric and cannot be on the table.

Not to mention facing Seeing Lu Kuan, this dirty person. His methods are even dirtier than yours.

This society hates people having, laughs at people not having, dislikes people being poor, and fears people being rich.

Seeing Lu Kuan and Inquiry Realm suddenly made such a big move, and there are many people on the internet who are bearish.

"Only shot two films with a total of less than 20 million RMB, and dare to go to Hollywood to lose face. Seeing Lu Kuan probably doesn't know how he died!"

"It's just a gimmick to attract attention. If you really want to watch good films in China, you still have to watch directors Zhang Yimou, Feng Xiaogang, and Chen Kaige. These young people are too frivolous and hard to achieve great things."

"I am Zhang Zhi, 2003 grade of the Computer Department of Tsinghua University! Real-name bearish on 'Exotic Realm'! The reason is as follows: last year Wu Yusen's 'Windtalkers' premiered, with an investment of 115 million US dollars, starring Nicolas Cage, but what was the result? The North American box office was less than 40 million, directly almost pitting MGM into bankruptcy! How are you compared to Wu Yusen, Seeing Lu Kuan?"

The number of likes and replies to this comment topped the list, hanging high on the first line of Seeing Lu Kuan's blog homepage, which was very dazzling.

September 9, 2003, 2:00 PM, Shanghai, near Chedun Film and Television City.

Liu Yifei also saw this post and hatefully replied to him with the account of 【Zha Lu Ji】:

"I am Jiang Yiyan, 2002 grade of the Performance Department of Beijing Film Academy! Real-name bearish on Zhang Zhi, 2003 grade of the Computer Department of Tsinghua University. The reason is as follows: your mother named you backwards, you should be called mentally retarded!"

Zhang Zhi replied: Beijing Film Academy Jiang Yiyan, right? I remember you. You actors really have no quality, scolding people as soon as you open your mouth!

Liu Yifei chuckled and was about to continue arguing with him. Jiang Yiyan shouldn't see it, and even if she saw it, she wouldn't suspect herself.

After all, I am so simple and kind, and as pure as Seeing Lu Kuan!

"Xixi, stop playing, get ready to go."

Liu Xiaoli packed her luggage and called the driver to wait downstairs.

"Oh, I know, Mom."

Today is the day to audition for the "Kung Fu" crew.

Liu Xiaoli couldn't bear to blame her daughter for recklessly rejecting the film contract of "Exotic Realm", so she could only discuss with Yang Siwei to attack from multiple sides and try several films.

Judging from Seeing Lu Kuan's attitude towards her daughter yesterday, it was still okay. He didn't treat Xixi like a class enemy or a traitor.

Looking at it this way, working for him for nothing for two years can't be considered a bad thing. At least the originally close relationship has been maintained.

The mother and daughter got off the car outside the audition venue.

Zhou Xingchi is a genius with an eccentric personality. This is the unified evaluation of him by many collaborators and even opponents in later generations.

In this "Kung Fu" established in 2003, his brain circuit different from ordinary people was highlighted.

From secret establishment, secret casting, to turning against the capital halfway, one good show after another was quietly staged in the clouds and mist.

Before that, Zhou Xingchi almost blocked all news. He didn't need warm-up, didn't need promotion, didn't need marketing. This point is the exact opposite of the bearded man.

Chedun has the earliest batch of film and television bases in China.

In the few days he moved in, he had already visited Nanjing Road, Shikumen alley groups, Mahler Villa, and many other film and television shooting landscapes, and was very satisfied with this group of imitation ancient buildings with a background of the Republic of China.

The rest is to build and arrange classic scenes such as Pig Cage Village and Axe Gang according to his requirements.

But now there is a tricky problem that must be put on the agenda: the choice of the female lead Fang'er.

Given Yanzi's good performance in "Shaolin Soccer", she was originally the most competitive for this role.

It's just that there were too many negative news spread after a certain incident, and Zhou Xingchi was too lazy to break these things, so he decided to find a pure newcomer to take the role.

"Isn't that Huang Shengyi quite good? Let them stop looking. Who is this today?"

Zhou Xingchi has the habit of taking a nap. After eating, he instructs his assistant to call him on time.

"Young actor Liu Yifei, also a student of the Performance Department of Beijing Film Academy."

"Oh, I know this, Zhao Linger, let's take a look."

"Xixi, how are you prepared?" Liu Xiaoli unscrewed the lid of the hot water cup for her daughter and handed it over.

Liu Yifei was wearing a plain white dress today, with a little powder and a ball head, and only slightly painted some eye makeup.

This is also to be more in line with the image of the mute girl.

During this time, her psychology is very contradictory. Refusing Inquiry Realm and directly obtaining the role of "Exotic Realm" is her own decision.

"Exotic Realm" shone brightly at the Inquiry Realm press conference yesterday and is about to start a three-day first screening work for the female lead. She also signed up.

Won't I be screened out directly by the scumbag?

But even if she was shortlisted, she didn't have much confidence in her acting skills and ability. This is Seeing Lu Kuan's film, and Liu Yifei knows his strictness best.

Now everything depends on herself. She only makes more attempts, so the studio made the decision to audition for "Kung Fu".

This role is the female lead of the film by Zhou Xingchi, the king of comedy in Xiangjiang. It is full of gold content and is also a role that supports people.

Refer to the experience of the little transparent Huang Shengyi who won several newcomer awards after "Kung Fu" and became famous in one fell swoop.

"It's okay, I will try my best to do well!"

"Director, the person is here."

The assistant knocked on the door of the hotel conference room, and only after getting Zhou Xingchi's approval did he let Liu Yifei and her mother in.

From the work style of the crew, it can be seen that this is a director with very strict rules.

This film is also written, acted, and directed by him, and his personal right to speak is extremely strong.

Liu Yifei introduced herself generously. She is no longer a little girl who has just come out of the cottage.

Having experienced so many crews and Seeing Lu Kuan, who is more picky than Zhou Xingchi, these conventional processes can be easily dealt with.

Zhou Xingchi saw that she was still very young, and also smiled gently, looking at her appearance conditions and role fit.

It is not an exaggeration to say that she is round and jade-like, and has a national color and heavenly fragrance, but there is a gap with the image of the mute girl in his mind.

The background of "Kung Fu" is the Magic City in the 1940s, a mute girl who makes a living by selling on the street.

The role should not have such a graceful and luxurious temperament, even if she is already a relatively simple makeup and dress today, it still reveals some of Bai Xiuzhu's nobility.

Tian Qiwen saw that the director didn't speak, and took the initiative to guide the audition process: "Hello Yifei, I see from the introduction that you have some dance foundation, right? Please show a section simply."

He is Zhou Xingchi's old partner. Since he started working with him in the 90s, he has always been by his side, participating in the performance and behind-the-scenes work of Zhou Xingchi's works.

Later, he has been the president of the Xiangjiang Film Workers Association and a director of the Hong Kong Film Awards Board.

If you want to say that Zhou Xingchi is the Hitler of the "Kung Fu" crew, then Tian Qiwen is his Himmler, the first think tank and confidant.

"Okay, director."

Liu Yifei simply showed a section of modern dance, and was suddenly interrupted by Zhou Xingchi.

"Liu Yifei, you have acted in two costume dramas "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" and "Chinese Paladin". There should be action scenes in them, wire scenes."

Liu Yifei stopped her dance movements stiffly and replied to him: "Yes."

Zhou Xingchi nodded noncommittally, got up and walked towards the door, but didn't forget to nod to the little girl: "Thank you for the audition."

Liu Xiaoli paced anxiously outside the door, and secretly said it was bad when she saw that the audition ended in less than 5 minutes.

As soon as she entered the door, she saw the cute Liu Yifei standing there beautifully with the script in her hand fanning the wind.

"Why so fast!"

Liu Yifei smiled bitterly: "I don't know, it seems like I didn't act anything, the director just kept staring at me."

Liu Xiaoli estimated that the situation would not be too optimistic, but she had no way for a while.

Cheng Jingfei is already exhausted and the mud bodhisattva crosses the river. Should she go to Seeing Lu Kuan?

Xixi definitely won't agree.

Liu Yifei looked indifferent: "Let's rush back to Beiping first? The audition for "Exotic Realm" is the day after tomorrow, I have to prepare!"

The little girl was full of fighting spirit, but she was still worried that the audition registration she submitted would be screened out directly...

Zhou Xingchi returned to the room with his hands on his back, opened the computer and watched Liu Yifei's audition materials, which were performance clips in dramas such as "Whiplash" and "Chinese Paladin".

Zhou Xingchi made a phone call to his partner: "Tianji, come to my room."

(End of chapter)