Rhapsody of Entertainment Rebirth

After winning the country's highest literary award, Shanhe once again devoted himself to the filming of "Joker" with a comfortable mood.

Later that night, calls came from his father Qiu Jiang and his master Yu Zhengchong.

Both of them were equally excited that Shanhe won the Mao Dun Literature Award unanimously.

As a veteran literature lover, the Mao Dun Literature Award is more important to Qiu Jiang and his disciples.

Starting from the first edition of "Xu Mao and His Daughters", "Furong Town" and "Spring in Winter", the Mao Dun Literature Award works have become their must-reads and daily discussion topics.

Now that Shanhe can stand on this literary peak in their minds with a crushing attitude, as elders, they are naturally very proud and gratified.

On the phone, the three of them talked a lot, even talking about Qiu Jiang's embarrassing submission experience in the past, and recalled the joy and expectation that Shanhe brought to them when his first diary appeared.

Master, disciple and Sun talked happily for more than half an hour.

At the end of the call, the mature Yu Zhengchong reminded his disciple that he should give a response on social media platforms. After all, the Writers Association and the Mao Dun Literary Award had received a lot of pressure because of him.

Although Shanhe has always been outside the Chinese literary world, and his style is completely different from that of domestic literary writers, he is still a part of the Chinese literary world, and can even be said to be a representative figure.

His statement is a very positive signal for the Writers Association and the Mao Dun Literary Award. It not only relieves the Writers Association, but also shows that he attaches great importance to the Chinese Award.

After all, the country is his basic base. Shanhe has no temper to laugh or scold, and making many friends is the mature way to behave in the world.

Mountains and rivers flow from the good.

On the same day, there was a message on Shanhe’s Weibo account:

"I am very happy to be recognized by the Mao Dun Literature Award, and I am also very happy to be recognized by senior domestic writers. The Mao Dun Literature Award has always been my favorite and most anticipated award. The award-winning works of my seniors are the leaders of my literary career. I can compete with them." It’s an honor for me to stand with them, and I’m looking forward to the moment when I receive the award in person!”

Shanhe's message was immediately noticed by fans and media.

Shanhe's statement disappointed many good people, but it also won the support of most netizens.

Although the European Literary Awards are more attractive and authoritative than the Mao Dun Literary Award in the eyes of the public, Shanhe did not publicly make a similar speech when he won the European Literary Award.

This shows that he values ​​his own awards more than those of outsiders.

It is important to gain recognition from outsiders, but it will be offensive if you blindly worship foreign things!

What Shanhe did was very appropriate!

The Writers Association and the Mao Dun Literary Award Jury also completely put aside their worries.

Shanhe is indeed a good comrade.

His statement finally resolved the embarrassment of the Writers Association, and Shanhe's award became a good opportunity to expand the influence of the Mao Dun Literature Award.

For a time, several writers who won awards with Shanhe also attracted public attention.

Even the winning works of the Mao Dun Literary Award in the past have been taken out by the public for review and comment.

While there was a lot of discussion in China about Shanhe's low-key message, two people were talking about Shanhe and Chuhe Film and Television in the coffee shop of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York.

Jiang Zhiqiang, the owner of Hong Kong's Anle Pictures, is one of the iconic figures in the Chinese film industry.

Although he is low-key, he participated in the creation of the blockbuster era of Chinese-language films. He is familiar with several major Hollywood film companies and is a key figure in the overseas promotion and distribution of Chinese-language films.

He has made indispensable contributions to the box office success of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", "Heroes" and "The Golden Armor" in Hollywood.

In the past few years, the miraculous rise of Shanhe and Chuhe Films has given Jiang Zhiqiang, a Hollywood expert, great emotion and shock.

Because he understands best the exclusion and discrimination faced by Chinese-language films and Chinese-American filmmakers in Hollywood.

Speaking of Chinese directors, before Shanhe, only a few could gain a foothold in Hollywood.

However, their Hollywood experience has not been smooth sailing. They often face more demanding shooting requirements than white people, and their status in the industry is not high.

Not to mention the rights to edit the film, even the shooting may not be carried out according to your own ideas.

The person in front of me is one of them!

At this time, sitting opposite Jiang Zhiqiang was Chinese animated film director Xu Chengyi.

Xu Chengyi is not an unknown person in the Hollywood film industry. He joined DreamWorks in 1989 and is one of the animation veterans of DreamWorks.

Participated in all of DreamWorks' best-selling animated films.

He is one of the main producers of the "Shrek" series and directed "Shrek 3".

As a Chinese born and raised in Hong Kong Island, although Xu Chengyi has lived and worked in the United States for many years, he has always had some memories and feelings that he cannot let go of. He misses the stories in "Liao Zhai" and "The Classic of Mountains and Seas" that he heard when he was a child.

From time to time, a fantasy world where humans and monsters coexist appears in my mind.

Making this world into a movie has always been one of his dreams, but in Hollywood, realizing this dream is just a dream!

No Hollywood film company will invest in a Chinese myth and legend story. Even if it obtains investment, it is impossible for it to have control over the film.

Like "Mulan" and "Kung Fu Panda", this story will be changed into a typical Hollywood animation that tells a Western story under the guise of Chinese mythology.

To be honest, he had already given up on this dream, but just this year, a domestic animation "Journey to the West: The Return of the Great Sage" appeared in his sights.

He was fascinated by the world where humans and monsters coexisted in the movie, and the level of animation production of the colorful light beams exceeded his expectations, and his dream was revived again.

There was another reason that made him unable to bear it:

Shanhe miraculously rises in Hollywood!

The fame he has gained in Hollywood in recent years has impressed many Chinese-American filmmakers.

Shanhe's influence and appeal among Chinese-American filmmakers cannot be underestimated.

Xu Chengyi couldn't help but have an additional thought in his mind: Can I talk to Shanhe? Maybe I can realize my dream in China?

This thought has been lingering in his mind. After several months of consideration, Xu Chengyi finally came to New York. He wanted to talk to Shanhe face to face, wanted to try for his dream, and at the same time wanted to do something for himself. Find a new path for your future!

Hollywood is not a paradise for Chinese Americans. It is difficult to have the opportunity to give full play to their talents here!

It just so happened that when he checked into the hotel, he happened to meet his friend Jiang Zhiqiang, who had come to the United States to sell movies, in the hotel lobby, and the two chatted about it in the hotel cafe.

"Bill, you are a big shot in the domestic film industry. You know many people in the country and know everything about the situation in the country. Do you think Shanhe will be optimistic about and support my idea?"

Jiang Zhiqiang looked at Xu Chengyi across from him and was very moved by his story and ideas. Based on his understanding of Shanhe, Xu Chengyi's idea would 90% be supported by Shanhe.

"Raman, Shanhe is a literary genius who appears in China once in a century. Although he always makes movies in Hollywood, in fact, his sights are always domestic. In my opinion, Hollywood is just a place for him to become famous and make money. His ambition is to catch up and surpass In Hollywood, Chuhe Film and Television Group has become a giant in the domestic film and television industry under his leadership. He attaches great importance to special effects animation. In the domestic film and television industry, everyone knows his preference for colorful light prisms. What do you think? Even I am very optimistic about him, he will not be tempted!!"

Jiang Zhiqiang's words did not dispel Xu Chengyi's concerns. He still frowned.

"But my idea will require a lot of investment, and the preparation and production time is probably not short. You know, there is almost no market for Chinese mythological stories in the West. It is estimated that it will be very difficult to recover the cost based on the domestic market alone, and the risk is extremely high!"

"Ha ha…"

Jiang Zhiqiang laughed when he heard this,

"Raman, China is no longer what it was a few years ago. You underestimate the Chinese film market. The domestic box office of "The Return of the Great Sage" has exceeded 1.2 billion yuan, and the box office in Asia has reached 200 million yuan. Ten million US dollars, and the Chinese film market is still developing. In my opinion, within two or three years, the domestic box office record of "Gravity" of 2.2 billion yuan will be broken!"

"I also know a little bit about the domestic situation!"

Xu Chengyi nodded in response,

"Several of us Chinese filmmakers have also discussed that the rise of China is indeed unstoppable. Sooner or later, the domestic film market will catch up with Country M. This can be seen from Shanhe!

Before him, no Chinese-American filmmaker could gain such a reputation in Hollywood. Even Ang Lee was just a tool to be manipulated, while Shanhe was a giant on par with Disney. Warner was even trying to fawn over him. This is why I made up my mind. The reason why I came to him is that I don’t know how much control he can give me over the film? "

"It seems you are still worried!"

Jiang Zhiqiang took a sip of coffee and looked at Xu Chengyi, who was frowning across from him.

"How about I go with you to visit the crew of "Joker" tomorrow? Although Shan He and I don't have a close relationship, we have exchanged a few words. Maybe I can give you some encouragement?"

"This is the best. You know I'm not very good at talking. With a boss like you supporting me, I feel much more relaxed!"

"Haha... In front of the boss of Chuhe Film and Television, I am nothing but a big boss!"

…

The next day, the filming location of "Joker" in downtown Newark welcomed two special guests.

The crew was busy filming scenes of riots and riots, and the shooting time for the entire block was limited. Shanhe was busy coordinating the entire crew and had no time to entertain the guests.

Jiang Zhiqiang and Xu Chengyi were quietly watching the filming process of the "Joker" crew.

More than two hours later, Heath Ledger, surrounded by extras, stood in a police car and made an elegant curtain call, dancing along with it.

Throughout the evils of Gotham City, the Joker tasted the taste of blood in his mouth, and then used the blood to paint a big smile on the clown costume on his face.

He opened his arms and enjoyed the sinful cheers of Gotham City. At this moment, the devil was completely awakened!

The camera also gradually zooms away from the clown's face, and a sinful Gotham City appears in front of the camera.

Jiang Zhiqiang and Xu Chengyi, who were watching from the sidelines, felt a strong sense of ritual like the curtain call of an opera, even with a bit of an epic flavor.

Both of them couldn't help but sigh, is Shanhe filming a chronicle of crime?

"Cut! This one is perfect!"

Shanhe stood up and applauded, saying,

"Everyone has worked hard and we are here today. We are making good progress and we will try to wrap up the filming within this month!"

“Wonderful!”

"I really don't want this scene to end!"

“I’m so looking forward to the release of the movie!”

…

Amid the exclamations and cheers from the crew and extras, Shanhe hugged Heath Ledger who jumped out of the police car and patted him on the back.

"Are you OK?"

Heath Ledger replied in a hoarse voice:

"It's okay, I'm just a little tired. I was so excited about the performance!"

"Have a good night's rest! You will have very few scenes tomorrow!"

"OK!"

…

After Shanhe explained to several crew members, and with the reminder from his assistant, he noticed Jiang Zhiqiang and Xu Chengyi standing outside the crowd.

He was no stranger to Jiang Zhiqiang, having met him several times.

He is well-known in the Chinese film industry, and he has led the overseas distribution of several of Zhang Yimou's films.

Shanhe had been in contact with him as early as when "Hero" was released. Unlike other Hong Kong movie tycoons, he spoke and acted in a low-key manner.

Why is he looking for me now?

There is also "Xu Chengyi" who came with him. This name sounds a bit familiar!

Shanhe walked up to the two of them, stretched out his hand to apologize:

"Mr. Jiang, you're neglecting me! The crew's time for block shooting is really limited!"

"You're welcome. We are all filmmakers and know the rules. We are very lucky today. We enjoyed the curtain call of a wonderful opera. We are looking forward to the release of the movie!"

Jiang Zhiqiang held Shanhe's hand, smiled and praised, and introduced to Shanhe,

"This is Xu Chengyi, the most powerful animation producer and director at DreamWorks!"

Shanhe then shook hands with Xu Chengyi who was standing beside him.

"Director Xu, it's nice to meet you. I've heard of you for a long time!"

"Hello, Shanhe!"

Xu Chengyi responded with some restraint,

"I am just a skilled worker in Hollywood, and my reputation is not worth mentioning!"

After the three of them exchanged pleasantries, Shanhe invited the two of them to his RV and made them a pot of tea according to Chinese custom.

"This is the new tea from my hometown that I brought from China. I still like the taste of my hometown the most in country M. You guys should try it too!"

“Good tea!”

Jiang Zhiqiang is one of the old gourmets. He smelled the tea and knew the origin of the tea.

"The best Wuyi rock tea has the fragrance of the mountain, the variety, the age of the tree, and the craftsmanship. This tea is rare!"

"It seems that Mr. Jiang is a distinguished guest in tea, please give me tea!"

After the three of them had two rounds of tea tasting, Shanhe looked at Xu Chengyi, who obviously had something to say, and poured some tea for him first.

"Director Xu, tell me what you have to say. We are compatriots in country M. We are born with blood in common. There is no need to be too restrictive!"

Xu Chengyi's Mandarin is not very standard. Most people who play technology are not very good at words. After organizing it for a long time, he couldn't say it out loud.

"That's right!"

Jiang Zhiqiang on the side helped introduce,

"Raman has an idea. He wants to make a fantasy animated film about the coexistence of Chinese beauties and monsters. You know, there is no market for this subject in Hollywood. He wants to talk to you and see if he can get your support?"

As soon as Jiang Zhiqiang started talking, Xu Chengyi had no obstacles and continued:

"Shanhe, ever since I learned to draw when I was a child, I have always liked to imagine the various monsters in "The Classic of Mountains and Seas" and "Liao Zhai". Since I entered this industry, my dream has been to bring these monsters to the big screen. To be honest, , I had almost given up on it in the past ten years, but the colorful "The Return of the Great Sage" gave me hope. The ink painting style in it was so in line with my imagination. After thinking about it for several months, I decided to take the liberty of looking for it. you try!"

"monster?"

When Shanhe heard this, he was quite fond of Xu Chengyi's sincere words. As a Chinese-American, he had not forgotten the inherited culture and took it as his dream. Shanhe felt very cordial.

"Does Director Xu have a specific story? You might as well tell it for review and discussion!"

Shanhe's attitude gave Xu Chengyi some expectations,

"Before I came here, I understood the scope of censorship in China and knew that supernatural themes could not be shown in China. My idea was to make monsters cute with all things animistic and beautiful..."

As Xu Chengyi continued to tell, Shanhe felt that the plot of the story became more and more familiar.

This was definitely a movie I had seen in my previous life, but I didn’t have a deep impression and my memory was a bit fuzzy. What was it called?

Shanhe frowned and recalled it. Xu Chengyi, who was opposite him, saw Shanhe frown and felt a little nervous in his heart. He managed to calm down and finish telling the story.

Shan He on the opposite side was still recalling the name of the movie. He remembered the starring role in the movie, the little monster "Huba" in the movie, and even remembered that this movie was once related to "drug-taking man", but he just couldn't remember it. Name the movie!

Xu Chengyi looked at Shanhe, who was frowning and thinking hard, and his heart felt cold. However, Jiang Zhiqiang on the side asked,

"Shanhe, how do you feel?"

Shan He came back to his senses and asked:

"Director Xu, have you named the movie? What is it called?"

"Monster Hunt!"

"This is it!"

Now I remember the mountains and rivers, they are finally smooth!

This movie has a lot to offer. It broke box office records and helped domestic films regain box office records from Hollywood blockbusters. However, later there was a false box office scandal.

Actors can also cause trouble. Before the movie was released, the male lead was involved in a controversy and was completely banned. In the end, he had to replace the film with another person.

After the movie was released, the heroine became popular all over the country. In the end, it caused quite a public incident, and the heroine also voluntarily went into hiding.

It really deserves to be called "The Story of a Monster"!

At this moment, Shanhe unexpectedly knocked on the door. Naturally, Shanhe would not refuse. He looked at Jiang Zhiqiang and said,

"Mr. Jiang, are you also interested? How about investing together with Chuhe Film and Television and Anle Pictures? Director Xu, you can start polishing the script!"

Xu Chengyi was confused by Shan He's sudden change and straightforward answer. He opened his mouth and looked at Shan He in a daze, almost falling off his glasses.

Jiang Zhiqiang was not distracted. He stood up with a happy face and stretched out his hand to Shanhe and said:

"I am very happy to cooperate with Chuhe Film and Television. No one can doubt your vision, Shanhe!"

Shanhe shook Jiang Zhiqiang's hand and responded with a smile:

"I appreciate Director Xu's Chinese sentiments and the truth, kindness and beauty in the story. I believe domestic audiences will also like it!"

At this time, Xu Chengyi on the side reacted. He excitedly adjusted his glasses with his hands and thanked Shanhe loudly.

"Thank you! No, thank you, thank you for your recognition and support, I will not let you down!"

"hehe…"

Shan He let go of Jiang Zhiqiang's hand and said to Xu Chengyi with a smile,

"Does Director Xu intend to return to China for development? "The Classic of Mountains and Seas" is a huge library of themes. You can completely use your hands and feet to come up with creative ideas. I believe that the domestic market will be able to support this type of series of movies in two or three years!"

Xu Chengyi answered very directly,

"I still have some follow-up work to complete at DreamWorks. Next year I will resign and return to China to devote myself to the preparation and production of "Monster Hunt"! The film will be produced according to the standards of 3D live-action animation, and the investment will be huge!"

Jiang Zhiqiang shook his head and said to Xu Chengyi:

"Raman, domestic prices are not as high as in country M. The actual investment will be less than you think!"

Shanhe looked at Xu Chengyi and smiled,

"Both Chuhe Film and Television and I are short of money, don't worry about that, and the strength of Colorful Light will satisfy you!"

…

The three of them chatted until the evening, and then had a Western meal together.

During this period, Jiang Zhiqiang chatted with Shanhe about the purpose of coming to the United States this time, which was to arrange the overseas distribution of Zhang Yi's film "The Thirteen Hairpins of Jinling".

He also talked about the filming and production of "Jinling Thirteen Hairpins" and vaguely mentioned the contradiction between the two pictures.

"Shan He, Director Zhang and Zhang Weiping seem to have some differences of opinion. You and Director Zhang have a good relationship. Zhang Weiping sometimes doesn't have a sense of propriety in doing things!"

Shanhe looked at Jiang Zhiqiang and nodded, showing a rare hint of the domineering power of a domestic film and television giant.

"I'll let him know what's appropriate!"

…

After saying goodbye to the two of them, Shanhe called Yangliu's phone when he returned home. After explaining the situation of "Monster Hunting" to her, he asked about the specific situation of "Jinling Thirteen Hairpins".

"When will my senior brother's movie be released? Did he and Zhang Weiping have a bad time?"

""The Thirteen Hairpins" was released in early December. It is said that Zhang Weiping withheld director Zhang's dividends from the movie "Dear" and interfered with the selection of characters during the filming of "The Thirteen Hairpins". He did not hesitate to spend money for overseas distribution. Christian Bale was hired for a big price!”

"You are the most familiar with the domestic entertainment industry. What do you think of this matter?"

Yang Liu dismissed Zhang Weiping on the phone.

"Without Director Zhang's cooperation, Zhang Weiping is nothing. Director Zhang is too honest, and he can be caught by a businessman who pretends to be powerful. Boss, what do you think of this matter? Just let Director Zhang come to our Chuhe Film and Television." !”

"Please help me warn Zhang Weiping that you have to be a responsible person. If there are any differences or disputes between them, I will not interfere with them. If they get along well, they will break up. If he resorts to hooliganism to fabricate slanders, I will not sit idly by and do nothing!"

"I know! He doesn't dare, Director Zhang is Zhang Guoshi in China!"

"Zhang Weiping is too selfish and snobbish. Once his interests are not met, he is likely to do whatever it takes!"

"I know what to do. Boss, when will you return to China?"

"The day before the Mao Dun Literature Prize is awarded!"

…