China Entertainment 1997

Chapter 435: This may be the sorrow of the boss (Additional update 12 for the leader of the Institute of Universe Civilization)

When "Fairy Tale" is in theaters, the crew of "Xiu Chun Dao 2" that Cao Xuan is preparing has basically taken shape.

The director is still Old Monster Xu, the martial arts director has changed, Zhang Lei is still there, and the other one has been changed from Yuan Kui to his apprentice Sang Lin.

The latter was poached by Cao Xuan to join Fanxing because of his previous cooperation in "Xiu Chun Dao", and he and Zhang Lei became Fanxing's royal martial arts instructors.

Compared to Yuan Kui, Sang Lin, who had just started training at this time, was still a little immature.

However, because the first part of "Xiu Chun Dao" has already given the general action style, as long as you follow the steps, there won't be a big problem.

Besides, Sang Lin was leaving the army, not rebelling.

This time, Yuan Kui was originally scheduled for "Xiu Chun Dao 2", but he declined because he wanted to promote his apprentice. If there is a problem, he, as a master, will not fail to help.

Not to mention, Cao Xuan still invited Yuan Baye as the general consultant of martial arts this time to provide overall control.

In terms of actors, Cao Xuan remains unchanged, and the characters Wei Zhongxian, Xu Xianchun, and Chongzhen who appear in the two films are also the original cast of the first film.

Duan Long, Wu Jing, Hu Jun, Gao Yuanyuan and other key starring actors in the first film also made more or less guest appearances.

For the remaining roles, Fan Xiaopang will play the heroine Hokusai. This was decided early on and there is no need to say more.

Zeng Damai played the role of Ding Baiying, who is cold and domineering, yet strong and tender on the outside. Cao Xuan almost didn't think twice about it. When he saw this role, he was determined to be the Empress of the West Palace.

In the past six months, Miss Zeng has also specially trained for fighting scenes, specifically to deal with Ding Baiying and Li Mochou in "The Legend of the Condor Heroes".

Of Ding Baiying's two apprentices, one was given to Fanxing's Damimi, and the other was assigned to Yang Shuo in Class 02 by Empress Xigong for personal gain.

Pei Lun is played by Chen Minghao, Qin Hao plays the villain Ling Yunkai, and roles such as Jinghai Monk, Yin Cheng, and Zheng Zhangban are assigned as needed, and suitable candidates have basically been found.

Before filming started, the only role that had not yet been decided was the second male lead, Lu Wenzhao.

"Xiu Chun Dao 2" is different from the previous one. At that time, apart from Cao Xuan, the other two actors of the three brothers were also famous.

Hu Jun is popular because of "Dragon", Wu Jing is a rising kung fu star, and there is also a villain Zhao Wenzhuo.

Don't underestimate the latter. As the older generation of kung fu superstars such as Cheng Long gradually began to decline, several Mesozoic action actors, including Zhen Bullet and Zhao Wenzhuo, are the most famous.

Although the development of movies in the past few years has not been particularly prosperous, the celebrity status is still there. If Cao Xuan hadn't been starring, and coupled with Xu's old friendship, he might not have been able to get him to play the villain.

When Zhao Wenzhuo first arrived in Hong Kong, he participated in the popular "Once Upon a Time" series, and later took over as the second generation of Huang Feihong, all of which had the contribution of Mr. Xu.

Later, Zhao starred in films such as "Green Snake" and "Knife" directed by himself.

It can be said that Old Monster Xu was kind to Zhao Wenzhuo. Although the two parties later separated for some reason, their friendship still existed.

Otherwise, even if Zhao Wenzhuo is willing to act, he will not be able to save his face. But with the mediation of Old Monster Xu, the steps will be taken -

I came here for Director Xu, I didn’t choose the role, I acted in whatever role he was asked to play!

He not only retained his dignity, but also lost his benefits. The crew achieved their goal, and Old Monster Xu also gained face.

Moreover, everyone has confidence in their hearts, so-called favors don’t count, and everyone is happy.

Hu, Wu, and Zhao are all well-known artists, Duan Long is also slightly famous, and Gao Yuanyuan is a popular star.

Although the cast of "Xiu Chun Dao" is not luxurious, it is reasonable, otherwise it would not be classified as a "blockbuster".

In comparison, "Xiuchundao 2" is relatively shabby. Apart from Cao Xuan, the only one who can show off is the popular actor Fan Xiaopang.

Zeng Damei, who became famous due to the Spring Festival Gala and the scandal, can barely be considered half of it. Yan Kuan, who plays Chongzhen, is also good, but his role is too small to be called a starring role. He can only be regarded as a supporting role or a guest appearance.

Two apprentices, like Pei Lun and Ding Baiying, are relatively unknown newcomers to the film and television industry and have little publicity or box office appeal.

Fortunately, "Xiu Chun Knife 2" is a sequel and has some popularity of its own, but even so, the relatively luxurious cast is very helpful to the movie, both in terms of performance quality and publicity.

Therefore, Cao Xuan hopes that Lu Wenzhao will find a famous actor to play the role, one with the best first-line talent, to add some weight to the movie.

Lu Wenzhao's setting in the movie is around forty, probably a bit younger. The actor should be more restrained and deep, able to act ugly, not angry and self-defeating, and also have some paranoid idealization.

Cao Xuan took a look around and felt that Wang Zhiwen was quite suitable.

There is nothing to say about Lao Wang's strength and image, and his age is also suitable. He was born in 1966 and is still in his forties this year. He is similar to Lu Wenzhao in the movie.

It doesn't matter if Lu Wenzhao is younger, Lao Wang looks younger.

In later generations, many actors of the same age began to play grandfathers. He still fell in love with the older girl in the play, and it was not too disobedient.

Cao Xuan fully believed that Wang Zhiwen would do a good job in the role of Lu Wenzhao. The only difficulty was that Cao Xuan was slightly worried that he and Zeng Li would be suppressed.

This one is so fierce, Cao Xuan personally thinks he is one of the top ten Chinese actors.

Cao Xuan wildly admired his master Li Xuejian and called himself the number one fanboy, but he did not dare to say that Li Xuejian could beat Wang Zhiwen.

At that time, Cao Xuan was just starting out, young and energetic, and with an attitude of learning, he was very happy to play opposite Wang Zhiwen.

Now that I am older, more successful and more famous, I have a deeper understanding of performance, but I no longer have the same ease as when I was a newborn calf who was not afraid of tigers.

Of course, the current Cao Xuan is not the young Cao who just debuted. The Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Double Grand Slam + being nominated for the Golden Horse Best Actor twice have proved Cao Xuan's strength.

Wang Zhiwen is great, but Best Actor Cao is not a free man.

Chen Daoming, Zhang Guoli, Li Xuejian, Liang Jiahui, Jin Shijie, Wu Zhenyu...

Cao Xuan has competed against these top actors not once or twice, including Wang Zhiwen.

Cao Xuan calmed down and immediately extended an invitation to Wang Zhiwen.

In the past two years, Wang Zhiwen's main development has been TV series, and he has produced crime TV series such as "Black Ice" and "Black Fog".

There is not much focus on movies, mainly because there are no resources, or there are small-budget literary movies and the few commercial movies, all of which are for actors from Hong Kong.

When Cao Xuan called him to chat, he learned that his last movie was a horror movie.

It's not that horror movies are bad, but it's really a waste for an actor like this to act in a horror movie with a marginal script.

However, Wang Zhiwen himself has a pretty good attitude. He doesn't choose movies or TV series, he just acts if they have them, and he takes a rest if they don't.

When he learned that Cao Xuan invited him to play the second male lead in "Xiu Chun Dao 2", he neither had the excitement of an ordinary actor nor the reserve and arrogance of an artistic actor. He just expressed that he wanted to read the script, just like a normal work contact.

Cao Xuan admired this attitude towards life very much. He said that if he were Wang Zhiwen, it would be difficult for him to remain calm.

It’s not that the so-called ideological realm is different. Cao Xuan feels that the two ideas of “open-mindedness” and “motivation” cannot be distinguished as high or low. He personally feels that this is because everyone’s attitude towards life is different, and the attitude towards life is more determined by personality. and the environment.

Cao Xuan appreciates and even a little envies Wang Zhiwen's attitude towards life, but he does not feel that his life is worse than others.

Although he is as busy as a dog every year, he enjoys flowers, applause, money, status and the top.

Maybe he is a layman, but he prefers this kind of happiness to an ordinary life...

Regarding the role of Lu Wenzhao, Wang Zhiwen quickly responded and expressed his willingness to play.

Cao Xuan was not surprised. He had inquired before looking for someone and found out that Wang Zhiwen was free.

The character creation of Lu Wenzhao is not bad, and the salary offered by Fanxing is also appropriate, or even slightly higher.

Moreover, the two have an old relationship, and he is half of Cao Xuan's teacher. Cao Xuan occasionally sends greetings text messages during New Years and holidays, and it is obvious that he has always maintained respect.

Cao Xuan is the boss, he respects Wang Zhiwen, and the people below him also give him face, which shows that the working environment is excellent and Wang Zhiwen has no reason to refuse.

After Wang Zhiwen was in place, the crew of "Xiu Chun Knife 2" officially started shooting in Beijing on March 15.

As the sequel to last year's runner-up at the box office, "Spring Knife 2" is undoubtedly the highlight of this year's Spring Festival, and the crew has received as much attention as Director Chen's "The Promise."

Many media even compare the two works together. The reason is very simple.

If nothing else happens, "Xiu Chun Dao 2" should be Fanxing's first time competing in the Lunar New Year, and "The Promise" has more than 80% chance of being scheduled for the Lunar New Year at the end of this year.

In other words, the two movies are likely to become the overlords of the Lunar New Year festival at the end of this year and directly compete at the box office.

One is recognized as the number one director in the industry, and the other is a very popular Uranus superstar. It can be said that Mars collides with the earth!

Everyone can't wait to travel back in time and enjoy this famous box office battle that will be recorded in the history of Chinese films.

Some people even have secret expectations. Cao Xuan's "Xiu Chun Knife 2" swept away Director Chen, including Lao Mouzi's "Ambush on Flying Daggers" last summer.

The "Xiu Chun Knife" series and Cao Xuan will achieve two consecutive kills against two of the most prestigious directors in the Mainland.

It makes me feel excited just thinking about it!

However, more people are not optimistic about the prospects of "Xiu Chun Dao 2". After all, it is Director Chen who made "Farewell My Concubine".

The investment of "The Promise" is said to be 340 to 360 million. In comparison, the salary of "Xiu Chun Dao 2" including Cao Xuan's friendship price is just over 30 million, a cost difference of ten times.

Although the movie is not based on cost, with such a huge difference in cost, it is still difficult for people to believe that "Xiu Chun Dao 2" can defeat the strong.

If it weren't for the popularity of the previous work, and Cao Xuan's current popularity, I'm afraid many people wouldn't compare "Xiu Chun Dao 2" with "The Promise".

Cao Xuan himself is still very calm despite the one-sided pessimism from the outside world.

In last year's summer season, no one was optimistic that "Xiu Chun Dao" could beat "House of Flying Daggers". They all thought that he would be overpowered by Lao Mouzi.

As a result, after "Xiuchundao" was released, it immediately sold out the box office. "House of Flying Daggers" was almost forced to be released ahead of schedule, and the box office was tens of millions less than the expected box office.

Others thought "The Promise" that Director Chen spent three years creating was a stunning masterpiece, but only Cao Xuan understood what it was.

When he faced "House of Flying Daggers", Cao Xuan was vaguely worried that "Xiu Chun Dao" would not be as popular as the former.

But against "The Promise", Cao Daguan was very confident.

That movie is not a question of whether it is good or not, but it makes people question life.

I suspected that I had lost my mind before I bought a ticket to watch this movie. Except for Zhang Yunu's sex scene, the whole movie was useless.

Cao Xuan is not sure whether "Spring Blade 2" can compete with "The Promise" at the box office. After all, the opponent's momentum is indeed fierce, and the names of Director Chen and the luxurious starring cast are also attractive enough.

But in terms of reputation, Cao Xuan feels that even if the cast and crew of "Xiu Chun Dao 2" are collectively bad, it is still better than "The Promise".

At least "Xiuchundao 2" is a story that has a beginning and an end and is understandable...

Of course, these words can only be kept in mind. In the face of reporters' digs, Cao Xuan still wanted to praise Director Chen.

"Farewell My Concubine is still one of my favorite movies. I watch it twice every year and savor it carefully. I also look forward to Director Chen bringing a magical masterpiece with an oriental flavor."

"Director Chen did find me, and the role should be that of Jang Dong Gun, but due to schedule conflicts, I had to miss it."

"Not participating in "The Promise" is not a conflict with Xie Feng as said by the outside world. If I didn't want to cooperate with him, what would be the story of "New Police Story"."

"No problem. If Director Chen invites me and I'm free, I will appear at the premiere of "The Promise."

"..."

The entertainment industry is all about talking to each other and talking to ghosts. Cao Xuan sometimes envies Feng Pants, who can say a few words as much as he wants, no matter whether it is right or not, because his mouth is full of fun first.

There is also Wang Zhiwen, who is also famous. He can say whatever he wants. Although he has offended many people and has limited resources, he has not wronged himself in the end.

With Cao Xuan's status, he is certainly not afraid of offending others, but he has to take into account his public image and often has to keep it quiet. Sometimes even he himself despises this kind of "hypocrisy".

Cao Xuan now sometimes hopes that someone with enough weight will shoot at him, so that he can publicly fight back without any scruples and vent his frustration.

But unfortunately, few people have such courage so far. There are some clowns who want to compete for the page, but even Cao Xuanli would lose his place with such people.

Sometimes Cao Xuan thinks about it, maybe this is the tragedy of the boss. He wants to find someone to quarrel with, but no one dares to fight...

Cao Xuan's interview about the opening ceremony of "Xiu Chun Knife 2" was circulated, and he immediately received enthusiastic feedback from the producers of "The Promise".

The other party publicly invited Cao Xuan to the premiere of "The Promise" in the name of Director Chen and his wife in the media.

It can be seen that the investment of more than 300 million has put a lot of pressure on the producers of "The Promise", and they have resorted to various tricks to build momentum.

Cao Xuan just said polite words to the media, and he was immediately beaten to death, pulling Cao Xuan into hype.

The food looked so ugly that even his own people couldn't stand it, so Mr. Han took the initiative to call and apologize.

But one thing is that "The Promise" can use Cao Xuan's hype, and "Xiu Chun Dao 2" can also take advantage of the other party's momentum. The two parties can achieve mutual benefit to a certain extent and bundle publicity.

Cao Xuan is not opposed to promoting "The Promise" together, but he is afraid that the comparison with "The Promise" will be too miserable and the other party will not look good.

He may not care what Director Chen thinks, but China Film Group's face still has to be concerned.

However, Mr. Han was so enthusiastic that Cao Xuan was reluctant and could only be "forced" to agree...

————

ps: 10,000-word update, please give me a guaranteed monthly ticket...