I’m a Director, I’m Not Bad

Chapter 308: 306. The Product of Compromise

Chapter 308 306. The product of compromise

As the famous "two Zhangs" in the entertainment industry, Zhang Weiping and Zhang Yimou must be the focus of the crowd wherever they go, that's for sure.

Even if it's in your own crew.

Actors big and small in the circle, after seeing the two of them, who can't save face and call Director Zhang, or Mr. Zhang?

But in Xu Xin’s view…

Although it cannot be said that he has any prejudice against Zhang Weiping, he does not have a good impression of him. This is the truth.

But the bad impression is not because of things like before Gong Li or Yang Mi played Jiang Chan. But based on a most common point...

He felt that the other party...

how to say.

According to Yang Mi’s words:

"This man is not very smart."

really.

My sister's point of view may be more extreme. In her opinion, the film and television industry and the entertainment industry should be viewed separately.

In the film and television industry, what everyone looks at is acting skills.

So when it comes to interpreting and playing roles, everyone just needs to distinguish between good and bad acting skills.

There is no need to consider such things as personality and humanity.

Just serve the character honestly.

But in the entertainment circle, there are two kinds of people.

One is a smart person, and the other is a not-so-smart idiot.

Applying her template, Xu Xin felt that Zhang Weiping might be that idiot.

Looking at his family history, it can be summed up in a very simple sentence.

"The pig on the cusp."

Going into business in the 1980s, he started as an agent of real estate, aviation food and pharmaceuticals.

In those years... when the business environment was strictly speaking a barbaric era, it didn't matter if you said it by stealing or just following the trend, in short, he quickly accumulated a fortune...not much, but definitely a lot of wealth.

And the next development is relatively simple.

His wife is a fan of Gong Li.

Wife of a famous wealthy businessman, in those days, spending tens of thousands of dollars to have a meal with a favorite female star was simply too normal.

Female stars also need this kind of income generation.

After his wife and Gong Li got acquainted, they became friends after coming and going. Then, along with it, Gong Li and Zhang Yimou also got to know the couple.

From then on, the friendship between the two began to form.

Then, after the filming of "Shake Ah Shake, Shake to Grandma Bridge", Zhang Yimou and Gong Li broke up, which also led to the withdrawal of the investors of "Speak Well".

After all, the investor invested in this movie because of Gong Li.

But at that time, the two broke up, and Gong Li stopped acting, and the investors naturally decided not to pay.

When Zhang Yimou was at a loss, Zhang Weiping, relying on the wealth he had worked hard over the years, invested more than 20 million yuan to shoot the film "Speak Well".

This is the beginning of the two becoming partners.

Then the next step is simple, set up a company, and combine the two.

Zhang Weiping’s trust in Zhang Yimou made him speak out at the beginning:

"The new image exists for Yimou. One day Yimou retires, and there is no need for this company to exist."

Moreover, for Zhang Yimou's filming, he "does not read the script, and does not read the account book".

Obviously, he has given him a lot of trust.

So, starting from "Speak Well", every movie is produced by the two of them together.

But why does Xu Xin say that he is not smart...

The reason is... In the eyes of outsiders, people may think that Zhang Weiping founded the film company entirely for Zhang Yimou. The slogan of "don't read the script book" shows that Zhang Yimou has extremely high creative freedom.

This man is really bright.

But the actual situation is that all the calculations are also in the invisible place behind the openness.

Because Zhang Weiping is not particularly rich.

But now he has to rely on movies to make money.

According to the general approach, after setting up an investment company, make more money, invest in movies with potential, and minimize the risk of losing money as much as possible, step by step.

But he did not take this path.

Instead, he relied on Director Zhang for everything he wanted to make money, and the movies he made.

Of course, they also yelled that slogan at the beginning. This company was founded by Zhang Yimou alone. He didn't intend to use others, and he didn't intend to expect to make much money. It's just that buddies do something together, just for fun.

But the problem is... talking about such a character, from "Hero", to "House of Flying Daggers" and "Golden Armor", you are all rushing to commercial films, and what is it for hype... During the period, Zhang Yi Mou and Takakura Ken filmed "Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles" and it is said that you are so angry that you feel that Takakura Ken is wasting Zhang Yimou's time...

This behavior is a bit preposterous.

So, in Xu Xin's opinion, he doesn't have much truth in his mouth.

Not to mention other intrigues, if you want to make money, you are ready to take risks. Don't let the wool be squeezed by one person.

Director Zhang's directing skills are more artistic than commercial.

In art films, his achievements are enough to become a giant in the world.

But commercial films...Although they are not bad, they really can't reach the height of art films.

This is not only Xu Xin's cognition, but also Director Zhang's own admission.

He told Xu Xin that he and Li An are the same kind of person.

Both of them are like old scalpers, they have no "talent", they can only make every movie diligently.

As for Zhang Weiping, since "Hero", I don't know if he has tasted the sweetness or what, and he has always wanted Director Zhang to start transforming into commercial films.

If you trust your buddy and don’t read the script or the ledger, why do you interfere with his creative thinking?

If you want to make money, have a money making attitude. Want to make small money and take small risks. If you want to make big money, take big risks.

Nothing more than that.

But he doesn't want to take risks and wants to make money. In the end, I can only count on Director Zhang for everything...

Keeping small fortune and not wanting to encounter big storms...

How can there be such a cheap thing in this world?

So, Xu Xin really thought he was stupid.

Poor and stupid.

There is no penny in his pocket, but the slogan is loudly shouted.

Of course, this is just his personal opinion, and he will definitely not tell others.

Facing Zhang Weiping who walked in, he just put down the script and shouted very politely:

"Hi, Mr. Zhang, sorry to bother you."

"Hahaha~"

Zhang Weiping patted him on the shoulder quite affectionately:

"Just call me brother. Don't be so polite."

Xu Xinxin said who are you taking advantage of?

Brother...

But there is still a humble and "respectful" look on his face:

"Don't, don't, it's too disrespectful. Teacher Zhang~"

He changed his title again.

Zhang Weiping didn't seem to be entangled, and patted Xu Xin on the shoulder before asking Zhang Yimou:

"How's the progress?"

"good."

Zhang Yimou agreed and asked:

"What did you do in the afternoon?"

"A few reporters wanted to find news, and they usually have a good relationship, so they accepted a few interviews on the phone. It's not a big deal..."

Zhang Weiping waved his hand:

"It's not over. I heard that Xiao Xu is coming, so I came to see...Xiao Xu, this is so far away, why did you come here?"

"Come and see Director Zhang. No, it's summer vacation, come to Director Zhang to study."

Xu Xin said again very modestly.

"Hahaha~"

Zhang Weiping smiled cheerfully:

"Is that so... how about the same table at night? Yimou, how about it?"

"Don't don't don't."

As soon as he heard that he was going to yell for dinner, Xu Xin quickly shook his head again:

"Mr. Zhang, I'm here to study. How can I delay the filming progress of the crew. I will follow the crew, watch more and learn more. This kind of opportunity is so rare, it is more important than eating... You just treat me as a drama director, and I will practice with Director Zhang, and that’s enough. Why do you arrange for me to eat, but you treat me like an outsider."

He directly stated what he meant.

Do not delay the filming of the crew.

Follow Director Zhang as a pawn.

Not here to socialize, not to entertain and build relationships, but to learn.

As soon as these words came out, Zhang Weiping couldn't say anything.

Can only show regret:

"That's it... I also said that (the guest) is here at home, why should I entertain this first meal?"

"I'm not a guest either."

After saying this, Zhang Weiping smiled and nodded:

"Haha, it's fine, then my family will be out of touch... Yimou, is there any filming plan for tonight?"

Zhang Yimou, who has been checking the screen shot on the monitor, nodded:

"Yes, I guess I'll be busy for a while."

"Um."

Zhang Weiping nodded and sat chatting with Xu Xin without leaving.

No choice, Xu Xin had to continue chatting with him.

"Xiao Xu, the box office of "The Wind" should exceed 250 million today, right?"

"No, it will be around 2.3. It is estimated that it will reach 300 million when it is released... Once Transformers opens, the box office is estimated to be compressed for a few days. But there should be a rebound~ After all, summer vacation is here, and many people are aiming at it. Transformers came. "The Wind" should also be able to pick up the box office."

Xu Xin took the cigarette he handed over with both hands, and lit it for him sensiblely.

"How much is your total investment in this play?"

"Forty million or so. Counting the later publicity, about forty-five million."

"Solely owned by Xiying Film Studio?"

"No, they paid two thousand and seven, and I paid one thousand and eight."

This thing is not a secret, you can find out after a little inquiring.

So Xu Xin didn't hide it.

"Three hundred million..."

Zhang Weiping made up his mind and nodded:

"A net profit of more than 100 million yuan is fine. The later DVDs are also a sum of money."

"Um."

"What about the next movie, do you have any plans?"

"I haven't considered it for the time being. After all, the child is due at the end of October and the beginning of November...Maybe there will be no movement in the past two years. Family-oriented."

He spoke the truth.

And Zhang Weiping seemed to have just remembered that the young man in front of him was married and his wife was pregnant.

So while changing the subject, came a sentence:

"We will have more opportunities to cooperate in the future."

"Eh, sure."

Xu Xin readily agreed.

…

Zhang Weiping stayed with the crew until he had finished his evening box lunch before leaving.

However, Xu Xin's focus has changed from watching Director Zhang filming to observing Zhang Mo's work.

no way…

He really couldn't stand the acting skills of these actors.

Except for Ni Dahong who can accept it, including Sun Honglei, he can't accept it.

To be honest, he always felt that Sun Honglei's acting skills were expressionless.

It's not that he doesn't have acting skills.

It's just...his acting needs some role-specific contrasts.

He is very suitable for such a deep role, such as this Zhang San. There's no need for an expression, it's enough for him to cool down his face.

So, this afternoon, I can only say that he played the role in his true colors, but if you want to say something shocking...no.

All emotions are well hidden.

But it’s also because it’s hidden so well that I can’t see it at all…

is outrageous.

And he doesn't want to comment on others...

Watching them bluffing, it feels like watching Errenzhuan performance.

It's exaggerated, and... awkward.

So, his focus naturally fell on Zhang Mo.

In all fairness, Zhang Mo's work level is average.

Let’s not talk about Li Haiping, even Ah Wei who was filming "Secret" can't compare.

What is one of the most important jobs of an assistant director?

One step ahead.

When the director is shooting this one, you have to find out from your own workbook in your mind how the director will shoot the next scene. After getting the sub-shots, you must assign layout tasks in your mind in advance.

For this scene, the director has said that the actors should make preparations, and you, as the assistant director, should directly direct the staff or photographers to take their positions in advance.

To ensure that the progress of the shooting will not be delayed.

Or to be more professional, weather factors, light factors, etc. must be taken into consideration. Strive to build a rough framework as quickly as possible, and then hand it over to the director for fine-tuning.

In this respect... Zhang Mo did a poor job.

She is with Zhang Yimou most of the time, like an assistant.

These tasks are usually done by Liu Guodong.

Xu Xin didn't know whether the father and daughter would communicate in private after filming was over.

But… he felt some things were better asked in person.

For example, "Why did you shoot this one like this" or "I have some thoughts about the scene just now" and so on.

Since you are not a professional assistant director and come here with a learning attitude, just like a teacher giving a lecture, ask questions that you don’t understand in a timely manner.

nor…

So...Xu Xin felt that Zhang Mo was a bit out of place.

But he didn't say anything.

Instead, when the filming of a scene between Ni Dahong and Sun Honglei was over at night, and the crew wrapped up their work and planned to go to downtown ZY, they directly handed over the car keys to Zhang Jiao.

Then got into Zhang Yimou's car.

Xu Xin had never seen the driver who drove the car, nor did he know him.

So after getting in the car, he didn't talk about anything else about the movie.

Instead, they chatted about their plans after "The Wind":

"After "The Wind" is released and Yang Mi's variety show starts, I plan to see if I can get into graduate school next year."

Hearing this, Zhang Yimou, who was leaning on the chair, nodded:

"Well, what then?"

"I don't have any other special arrangements. Stay at home with the children and start making up lessons~www.readwn.com~ After I am admitted to graduate school, I will go to a doctorate. But I have a script of my own. Does the hotel have a printer? I'll show it to you later Look, this script... I'm going to win the prize..."

“Don’t have that mindset.”

The moment Zhang Yimou heard this, he waved his hand:

“The works that actively cater to the works will appear very utilitarian even if they win the award. Do your own thing well, and face it with a calm mind if you don’t win the award. If you don’t want to be strong.”

Perhaps it was because Xu Xin was very satisfied with his answer, or because he saw that the child had firmly fulfilled the agreement with him, and chose to settle down after "The Wind".

Rarely, Zhang Yimou in a good mood made a joke:

"I have a lot of trophies at home, if you really want them, just take a few."

"..."

Xu Xin was a little speechless.

Xin said that your old man is really generous.

However, after the joke was over, Zhang Yimou suddenly said:

"How do you think Zhang Mo's work is doing? I see you have been staring at her from afternoon to night."

Zhang Mo, who was sitting in the back row, raised his head subconsciously.

"Great."

Xu Xin hardly hesitated in his answer:

"Sister Mo and you have a good understanding, don't you?"

In the end, he turned around and said to Zhang Mo.

But after finishing speaking, another sentence came:

"Sister Mo, what are you going to do later?"

"..."

Zhang Mo thought for a while and said:

“Take a break and write some summaries.”

"Is that so..."

Xu Xin nodded:

"Not to mention, Hollywood still pays more attention to personal ability."

After speaking, he smiled and nodded to Zhang Mo:

"Our habit here is that the assistant director usually needs to communicate with the director about the next day's work. Pay attention to teamwork..."

What he said was actually pure farting.

It can also be said that it helped Zhang Mo excuse.

Because... summarization is not the job of an assistant director.

You are an assistant director, and everyone else has rested, so you must be the last to rest. Don't communicate with the director in advance about the shooting plan, and then communicate with various departments in advance...you write a summary?

What about tomorrow?

All live live saves?

Do you want to replace it with light?

Do you want to communicate with the photographer about the lens?

Could it be possible for the photographer to come to the director tomorrow to ask how to assume the location of the camera, what equipment is needed, whether the shot to be shot tomorrow is a crane arm, or a close-up Barabara...

These are the jobs of the assistant director.

You do nothing, just write a personal summary?

But if the words are directly slapped on the face, everyone will lose face.

So Xu Xin found a clumsy, but strong enough step for Zhang Mo to walk down.

It also reminds her: Do your job.

As expected, Zhang Mo was stunned for a moment...

After thinking about it, he asked Zhang Yimou:

"Dad, I'll... go find Brother Liu later?"

Unexpectedly, Zhang Yimou waved his hand:

"No, if you want to do it, you can try to write a work plan for what you think you should do tomorrow. Show it to me after you finish writing."

"okay."

Zhang Mo responded:

"At that time, I will write it and bring it to you."

"Um."

No words all the way.

…

Arrived at the hotel, Zhang Jiao went to open a room.

But Zhang Yimou pointed to the door and said:

"There is a small beef rice shop over there, which is a special delicacy here. You get two bowls, and then come to my room to find me."

"okay."

Xu Xin nodded:

"Do you eat anything else?"

"Don't eat."

"Yes. How about you, Sister Mo?"

"I don't eat, I have to keep fit..."

"Haha, what's the matter, in case you are hungry."

Xu Xin responded and walked directly outside the hotel.

Beef Rice Rice Xu Xin thought it was that kind of rice, stewed beef, etc. at first. But it’s not actually, it’s a kind of...a bowl of soup that looks like Hu spicy soup, in which there are...very small noodles that are diced like saozi.

Like rice, but with gnocchi.

Xu Xin came in an instant.

This side...it doesn't look bad.

He ordered four big bowls, and planned to give Zhang Jiao some food later.

Then I packed two cold dishes.

Go back with the bag.

Walked to the hotel lobby and handed one of them to Zhang Jiao:

"Here, supper."

"I don't want it! No, no, no! I really don't want to eat it!...Ah? It smells so good! What is this?...Oh, no, no, no..."

"..."

Looking at her upright character, Xu Xin rolled his eyes:

"I can tell you that this bowl of pimple soup is the essence of the cultural drink of thousands of years in the northwest frontier. What you eat is not noodles, and what you grow is not meat..."

"…what is that?"

"It is the history and heritage of this thousand-year-old town."

"..."

Well, for the history and heritage of Zhangye.

Have a good taste.

…

Suite in front of the sofa and coffee table.

Two bowls of beef rice, two cold dishes.

No beer.

Xu Xin took the spoon, scooped up the gnocchi one by one, and nodded:

"Is this food suitable for breakfast? It's so comfortable to have a hot bowl in the morning."

Zhang Yimou nodded, compared to Xu Xin's turmoil, he ate at a leisurely pace.

While eating, he asked:

"How many days are you planning to stay here?"

"I don't know. Director Zhang Wu has found a host, and Yang Mi plans to take a look. If it works, I'll go back in early July. If it doesn't work, I might have to leave tomorrow or the day after."

Hearing this, Zhang Yimou nodded slightly:

"Well, do what you have to do. In fact, there is no need to make a special trip here... I originally planned to ask Momo to follow you in your crew when you open a new play."

"Come on."

Xu Xin directly agreed:

"no problem."

After taking another spoonful of rice, Zhang Yimou said at this time:

"After reading the script of "Three Shots", what do you think?"

"..."

It's okay if he doesn't mention this.

Bringing it up...Xu Xin didn't know how to answer.

Because he was a little blocked.

And fell into deep self-doubt.

After thinking about it, he said:

"I did not understand."

"The Coen Brothers' "Blood Labyrinth", have you seen it?"

"without."

"You can look back, it's a remake."

"...?"

Xu Xin really reacted for a while before he understood what Director Zhang meant:

"Three Shots remake of "Blood Labyrinth"? ...Foreign film?"

"Yes. However, "Blood Labyrinth" is a very serious thriller movie. It is not too much to say that it is dull, and it is more bloody."

“…so you added some humor?”

After finishing speaking, he added another sentence:

"In the style of absurd comedy?"

"Yeah. But I didn't make it."

Zhang Yimou waved his hand:

"My original intention is to remake this story, the one that remains intact."

"...?"

Hearing this, Xu Xin was even more puzzled.

Although he has never seen the blood maze, he does not know whether this story is wonderful or not.

But it is definitely not easy for Director Zhang to watch it.

But the problem is...

"What made you think of a remake? Loved the story so much?"

If so, it still makes sense.

After all...a pure remake, although the director of the remake can also add his own understanding...but overall, in terms of artistry, the director can do very little.

Because the director's thinking cannot escape the frame structure of the story.

Even if you add or delete, you are nothing more than a tinkerer.

East hammer and west hammer to make up for it.

Director Zhang to remake a movie for someone else?

Apart from loving the story so much, there really is no other explanation.

But the problem is...

This script... really sucks!

Of course, it is also possible that our old Xu's art "fat-making" is not good enough, and he can't understand the core of things filled with this pile of fat.

but…

Xu Xin really couldn't believe that he even lost the ability to judge the quality of a script like this. It happened to him...and even Director Zhang.

is very strange.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yimou did not answer directly, but pointed to the bedroom instead:

"There is a folder with a black cover on the table, take it here."

"okay."

Xu Xin responded, got up and entered Zhang Yimou's bedroom.

After finding the only black folder among the piles of documents on the table, he took it out and opened it to take a look.

A line of words came into view:

""Thirteen Girls in Jinling""

He was taken aback.

I heard Zhang Yimou say:

"This is the story I originally planned to shoot. But... the script is not yet mature, and I plan to polish it again."

"Then what is "Three Guns"?"