I’m a Director, I’m Not Bad

  Chapter 550 548. The dignity of pizza

   "Do you still remember the text we learned in elementary school?"

  Marco Polo Airport, Lin Xunxin, who just got off the plane, looked at the Tessera Island at sunset, and suddenly said something.

  Xu Xin nodded:

   "Remember, Mark Twain? But the content is not clear."

   "Me too. But at the time I was thinking... Do you think this place is similar to the south of our side? They all live near mountains and rivers... Hey, do you think they have returned to Nantian?"

   "..."

   "..."

  Lin Gou's peculiar brain circuit made Xu Xin not know what to say for a while.

  But... to be honest, he was curious too.

  The houses here are all built on the water. Is it really not tide?

  They are not Lao Guang, they have a cup of herbal tea to serve them wherever they go.

  Thinking of this, Xu Xin said:

   "Do you think the people here are very humid?"

   "...???"

   One sentence stunned Liu Yifei.

  What are you two talking about?

   But Lin Xunxin became interested, and kept nodding there:

"I was just about to chat with you about this. Cupping is ours, right? Marco Polo didn't seem to have learned it at the time. They live by the river for many years, so they can't be sick? The humidity is so heavy, the body must be Problem...how do they get rid of dampness? I've never heard of eating tomatoes to get rid of dampness."

   “…Pepper? Does it count?”

"Eating that stuff doesn't mean you haven't eaten it? It's not Henan's hot pepper soup. I think they don't seem to be good at eating chili...and there is no hot kang. How do you say people live here? Yes, this place Is there winter? If you sleep by the edge of a river in winter, don’t you have to pee?”

   "There should be winter, right? By the way, what latitude is Italy?"

  "...I think they can play in the European Cup, which should be similar to England?"

   "That's quite distinct."

   "That's right... You said you want to open an acupuncture parlor here to make money selling dog skin plasters for rheumatism?"

   "The plaster should be very easy to sell. Acupuncture is something that ordinary people can't accept, right? I can't even accept it... I feel confused about that thing..."

  The two gentlemen chatted there as if no one else was there.

   Liu Yifei was taken aback when he heard it.

no…

  Can the content of the two of you chatting be more strange?

   Started talking about the climate, and then Chinese medicine?

  The topic jumping rate is higher?

   And listening to the geography knowledge of these two people full of loopholes, she sighed helplessly:

   "Can you two stop talking nonsense, this is far away from the UK. Longitude and latitude... I remember it seems to be more than 40 degrees north latitude..."

  The two of them were interrupted by this, and the topic changed again:

   "Where is forty degrees north latitude?"

  Xu Xin looked puzzled:

   "I remember when I was in school, didn't I learn geography? It seems... there is something like how many degrees of north latitude, the Tropic of Cancer or something?"

   "Arctic Circle, right?"

  Lin Juxin shook his head after Xu Xin finished speaking:

   "No, no, the Arctic Circle is above, and there is a Tropic of Cancer. It seems to be some kind of tropical and subtropical... a mess..."

   "You are good at geography, I forgot..."

"hey-hey…"

  To be honest, Liu Yifei was really confused.

  Looking at these two people dumbfounded...

  Although her studies are not very good, things like the Tropic of Cancer can be used to praise the other party for their good geography...

   She really didn't expect it.

  You two are also directors and actors after all, can you stop acting so ignorant?

   is outrageous.

   While talking, finally, several people walked out of the airport exit under her leadership.

  Liu Yifei saw the staff member holding up the Chinese characters "Xiying Studio's Hawthorn Tree" at a glance, so she took the lead and walked there.

  The person holding the sign also spotted them and waved:

   "Director Xu!"

  Xu Xin turned his head to look, nodded and quickened his pace:

   "Brother Zhong."

  Zhong Changyou, the head of the Xiying Studio team who came to Venice this time, is also the commercial director of the distribution company.

  He came to lead the team. On the one hand, he considered that after "The Hawthorn Tree" was shortlisted, there would definitely be foreign film producers to discuss cooperation, and Zhong Changyou could directly call the shots.

  On the other hand, it is because he is also an old man of Xiying Film Studio. He has participated in such international film festivals with the factory and has rich experience.

  So strictly speaking, Xu Xin and the others are also under the supervision of Zhong Changyou.

  Unexpectedly, he came to pick up the plane in person this time, and Xu Xin's hurried attitude also expressed his gratitude.

   "Why are you here in person?"

   "Haha~"

  Zhong Changyou said with a smile:

   "I'm in a hurry, our movie will premiere at 8:30. No, after picking you up, let's go directly to the cinema."

"ah?"

  Under the surprised gazes of the other two, Xu Xin was stunned and asked:

   "Such a good time period?"

"yes."

  Zhong Changyou's eyebrows and eyes are also full of joy:

"However... the Venice Film Festival seems to be relatively balanced in this regard. Given such a good time slot for us, relatively speaking, the capacity of the theater is relatively small... There is no way, Director Xu, you have to understand this. On the first day of the opening, there are many movies, so we must strike a balance. Then we will look at the follow-up audience ratings and media ratings to divide the shows. So it doesn’t matter if the theater is small, as long as the word of mouth is good, there will be more and more shows in the future.”

   "Then let's go quickly."

  Xu Xin checked the time.

   It's almost 7 o'clock.

   I'm afraid it will be too late.

   And Zhong Changyou didn't say much, and walked out with Xu Xin.

  As soon as a few people came out, they could immediately see a group of foreign reporters surrounding the door.

   However, after seeing the faces of several Asians, although these reporters were not sure about the identities of Xu Xin and others, some reporters still took a few photos, which was quite perfunctory.

   Seeing that the target was not me, the few people didn't say much, passed through the group of reporters besieging the exit, and came to the side of the road and started to carry luggage.

  At this time Xu Xin asked:

   "These are paparazzi?"

"no."

  Zhong Changyou shook his head:

   "But the purpose is similar. Natalie Portman also arrived at this time."

  As soon as Xu Xin heard the name, the image of Matilda popped up in Xu Xin's mind.

  His impression of this Hollywood star has always remained in "This Killer Is Not So Cold". Although that was sixteen years ago.

  He is also very curious about the "Black Swan" that the other party is participating in this time:

   "Is "Black Swan" showing?"

   "Tonight at 9:30, La Fenice Theater in Venice."

  When he said this, Zhong Changyou had a look of emotion.

The reason for this is that the Venice La Fenice Theater is one of the most famous opera houses in Venice, Italy, and even the world. Although it is also used to play movies and awards during the film festival, it can perform in it. The movies are obviously the ones with the biggest origins and the best productions.

  Films that did not enter the Phoenix Theater may not win awards, but if they can enter... the probability of winning will be greatly improved, that is for sure.

  Because the list of movies played in the Phoenix Theater must also be recognized by the Venice Film Festival.

  The reason why he is emotional is because of this.

  Although "Black Swan" is a Hollywood production, it may be performed in the Phoenix Theater, which itself represents a kind of recognition.

pity…

As a "Mr. Uneducated" who was discussing Venice with Lin Juxin just now and what to do if he has rheumatoid rheumatism, Xu Xin didn't even know which direction to open the Phoenix Theater, let alone understand the emotion on Zhong Changyou's face. .

  He just asked:

   "What about us?"

   "We... are not bad. In the auditorium of the University of Venice."

  Zhong Changyou seemed a little embarrassed.

   added another sentence:

   "After all, their venues are large. Theaters like the Malibranium Theater, the Venice Fixed Theater, and the Goldoni Theater are temporary renovations of opera houses. The viewing effect may not be as good as ours... and our time is also good."

   It’s okay if he doesn’t explain.

  These three people don't know much about Venice, and they don't know the difference between the theaters and cinemas he mentioned.

   But as soon as he explained it this way... all three of them understood.

  The venue of "The Hawthorn Tree" is definitely not as good as the previous theaters.

   It's just not clear if it's the worst.

   No need to ask.

  The place has been decided, so go and have a look.

  There are two cars in total. After loading all the luggage, the group walked from Marco Polo Airport to the city.

  Xu Xin planned to take a look at the scenery, but Zhong Changyou first handed everyone a few documents when he got on the train.

   "Here, we are the last Chinese movie of today. The previous "Sword Rain", "Jia Bian Ditch", and "Chen Zhen" have all been shown. This is the general evaluation, please take a look."

  A piece of information was handed over to Xu Xin... Although it was inappropriate to say it, he finally felt a kind of competitive pressure belatedly.

  Not to mention "Sword Rain" and "Chen Zhen", "Jia Bian Ditch" and "Di Renjie" are the shortlisted works of the main unit of Zheng Er Ba Jing.

  In addition to "The Hawthorn Tree", three of the four movies have already been played, and the material in hand is the evaluation after being translated.

  Xu Xin first roughly flipped through the screenshots on the A4 paper, and keenly noticed the scoring system.

  10-point system.

  "Sword Rain", 9 points.

   "Chen Zhen", 8.3 points.

   "Bian Ditch", 7.2 points.

   "Di Renjie"...

   "What does this percentage mean?"

   "The expected value before it was released probably means how much interest the ticket holders who registered and scored on the film this time are interested in it."

  Getting Zhong Changyou's explanation, Xu Xin looked at the 68% figure...

  Not too low...

   Then he turned to the last page, and he froze;

   "Is there no expectation for us?"

   "No need, isn't this going to be released soon?"

  Hearing this, the three of them could feel Zhong Changyou's reluctance.

  Xu Xin was suddenly happy:

   "Haha, what's the matter? Brother Zhong is afraid that I won't be able to accept it?"

   "No, no, but the data is not necessarily accurate, and it doesn't mean that if the data is high, you will definitely win the prize."

   "So...how many are we?"

   "..."

   "There is no outsider, Brother Zhong, let's just say it."

  Xu Xin continued to ask.

  Anyway, except for a foreign driver, there are only four people in the car.

  Su Meng, Wu Qiqi and the others are all in the car behind.

  Is there anything hard to say?

"…All right."

  Zhong Changyou said:

   "27 percent."

   "..."

   "..."

   "..."

  Although he didn't turn his head, Zhong Changyou had already guessed the expressions of the two people behind him after seeing Xu Xin's astonished eyes sitting next to him.

  Then explained:

"Actually, this thing is of no reference value. After all...Wu Yusen and the others are old faces in Venice. And Kung Fu has always been one of the most attractive types of our movies. And our movies with this theme are not as attractive as theirs. It's normal. "Jiabiangou" was lower than ours before it was released... only 18%, but after the release, it also scored 7 points...so there is no need to compare this. And..."

   It seemed that his words were not attractive enough, so he quickly added:

"Not all the people who came to the scene tonight are movie fans who hold the package tickets of the Venice Film Festival. The package tickets are actually to attract fans from other places to visit and travel here. It is also the revenue point of the Venice Film Festival. But the local people... Let's say we are going to the University of Venice.

  There is a "LASTMINUTE" over there, a last-minute limited-time discount.

  The Venice Film Festival is held every year, and all films will be rotated in various film screening venues during this time. They are not the same as movie fans from other places. They just go to see which movie they like first.

  In fact, as long as you bear with it, the entire Venice Film Festival can be completed in a very low-cost form. Therefore, although there are tens of thousands of movie fans who hold package tickets for this year's Venice, more of them are the hundreds of thousands of local movie fans.

  3 days is a cycle. After a cycle, all the movies have been turned around, and it is time for registered fans to lift the ban on scoring, and then more people will participate.

   So these early stats... are useless. "

  Although Zhong Changyou is indeed an old fritter, the various rules are introduced in great detail, and he has rich experience at first glance...

   But his words are actually contradictory to his actions.

  Since you say it's useless...what are you typing out these materials for?

  So I can’t believe all of this...

   At least, there are some parts where he is "lying to himself".

  But Xu Xin didn't poke it.

  Because the fact of the matter is... The Hawthorn didn't get a lot of attention.

   And now it doesn't matter if you are deceiving yourself or others.

   Isn’t the movie released yet?

  After it was released, let’s talk about it.

  Thinking of this, he turned his head and glanced at Lin Juxin and Liu Yifei.

  The two of them, like myself, didn't read the materials...or they didn't have the heart to read them.

   Seeing himself turning around, they all focused their eyes.

  Especially Liu Yifei...

  The anxiety in her eyes was as real as it was.

  Xu Xin suddenly smiled slightly:

   "Hey, is this plot familiar?"

   "...?"

  The two of them were taken aback for a moment.

   "In that kind of **** novel, the protagonist is ignored at the beginning... and then soars to the sky, becoming some kind of invincible plot, familiar?"

   "Pretend to be a pig and eat a tiger?"

   Lin Xunxin, who also likes to read novels, immediately reacted.

  Xu Xin nodded:

   "That's right. If our reputation goes against the sky after it's released, won't it be exactly the same as the plot?"

  Lin Xi has a new music:

   "Hey. No way~"

   looked down at the information on the paper again...

   Simply throw it aside:

   "Wait a minute and hit them in the face!"

  Liu Yifei also laughed.

   smiled and nodded:

"Um!"

  …

  Marco Polo Airport is seven or eight kilometers away from downtown Venice. Soon, two cars arrived in downtown Venice at dusk.

  To be honest, the original exotic scenery is one of the fresh attractions for every tourist.

  But at this moment, including Xu Xin, the three of them actually didn't mean to appreciate it.

  Xu Xin sat in the middle row, looking at the scenery outside the front windshield, like chewing wax.

  Width and narrowness of the roads, number of foreigners, what kind of characteristic buildings, what kind of architectural style... He didn't feel much.

  At this moment, his mood is particularly like... the state before the exam results are issued.

  I think I did well in the exam and I am very confident.

  But in the midst of self-confidence, I worry that the objective facts in front of me will not match my predictions.

  I want to get the teacher to send out the grades quickly, but I also want the journey of this car to never reach the end...

  He believes that he and the latter two friends are in the same mood.

only…

  He can't say.

  Although he is also the first time.

  As a director, he must stand upright.

  He can not be so blindly confident, thinking that these people don’t look forward to and don’t want to watch my movie because they have a problem with their thinking.

  But for "The Hawthorn Tree", a movie that he did his best, at least he doesn't have any guilt or regret in his heart.

  While actors can panic, producers can also panic.

  But the director is the soul of a movie, so don’t panic!

   "Hoo..."

   Taking a deep breath quietly, he pursed his lips.

   Soon, the driver arrived at the entrance of the University of Venice, a road full of food stalls.

   "Let's stay here, right? I just had something to eat, and you've worked hard all the way."

  Hearing what Zhong Changyou said, Xu Xin nodded and got off the car.

  Looking at the bustling street in front of me, I temporarily suppressed the anxiety in my heart.

   I don't feel ashamed...

  What's the shame?

   Xu Xin once asked the old man if he was nervous when "Red Sorghum" won the first Golden Bear Award.

  The old man’s original words are: During that time, my heart was hanging in my heart every day. Even if I couldn’t understand German, I would buy newspapers every day and let the people in the factory translate them for me. Praise me that I can fly to the sky, but some people don't like it, and if this movie is not good, I can feel sad all day.

  Look, the old man is like this, he was already very old when he made this movie, and he was so virtuous... Our old Xu is not ashamed if he does this, right?

   It’s the first time.

  He was just a little bit hungry.

  And he saw a small stall... It’s not appropriate to call it a small stall, just like a domestic stall that sells food with carts. He doesn’t know what it sells, but he knows the English word for “Pizza”.

   Chinese pronunciation: crack!

Pizza.

  So, when Zhong Changyou got off the car, he pointed to the stall:

   "Brother Zhong, I want to eat that."

   "..."

  The corner of Zhong Changyou's mouth twitched...

  How does it sound and how does it feel? This is exactly the same tone as my son asking himself for something.

  So I couldn't help being happy:

   "Haha, good. Update, Yifei, do you two eat?"

   "I'm... not very hungry."

"Me too…"

   Lin Juxin and Liu Yifei didn't seem to have much appetite.

  At the same time, Lin Gou looked at Xu Xin in amazement.

   At this time, do you still have the mind to eat?

  The heart is really big.

   After looking at the menu of this stall, Zhong Changyou said:

   "His family recommends Margherita pizza, what flavor does Director Xu want to eat?"

  Xu Xin heard...

   "Is there anything similar to the domestic seafood supreme pizza?"

  He is very proud of the taste of Pizza Hut.

   Then I didn’t know what Zhong Changyou said. The stall owners were stunned. They stared at Zhong Changyou and repeated Pizza Hut’s English “PIZZAHUT” several times, each time with doubts.

  Zhong Changyou nodded for confirmation.

  Then the shopkeeper babbled a lot and used gestures.

   After talking a lot of things, Zhong Changyou had no time to translate, so he suddenly pointed at Xu Xin:

   "YOU!"

   "...?"

  Then this buddy pointed at himself:

   "Love, give, yu! Pofito, Italian Asia Piza! nopizzahut! noChina! noAmerican! Pofito, Italy Asia Margherita Piza!"

  Xu Xin was half confused.

   It was Liu Yifei who translated for him:

   "He said he wanted to give you the perfect Italian pizza, not Pizza Hut, not China, and not the United States, just... the perfect Italian Margherita pizza."

"Well…"

  Hearing this, Xu Xin nodded and made an OK gesture with his pen:

   "OK OK, GOGOGO."

  In terms of poor English, he really has no one.

  Then the owner grabbed a piece of dough and started to make it.

  Actually, in Xu Xin's opinion, his craftsmanship is far inferior to that of the domestic Baian masters.

And it's very simple to do, just make the dough into a size about the size of a plate for eating at home, then spread a circle of tomato sauce, sprinkle some green...it should be something from basil leaves, and tear a few white **** inside cheese and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.

   Throw it in the oven.

  Zhong Changyou wanted to pay, but the shopkeeper waved his hand away. Instead, he said a lot of words to Zhong Changyou seriously, and finally pointed to Xu Xin for him to translate.

   Looks pretty angry.

  Zhong Changyou looked embarrassed and looked at Xu Xin:

"He said, he doesn't want your money, but he must let you understand that pizza is the pride of Italy. It is the same as unbreakable pasta. It represents the dignity of Italy. He wants you to taste the best Margherita. Pizza Hut's pizza with pineapple is rubbish. You'll know when you eat it."

   "...???"

   Pineapples are rubbish?

  Maybe looking at Xu Xin's eyes in surprise, Zhong Changyou nodded:

   "They pay special attention to this, just like our family never puts green peppers in meat buns..."

  As soon as he opened his mouth, Xu Xin understood immediately.

   also understood the seriousness of the matter.

   Right, Roujiamo, that is Mojiarou.

  Although it is not unpalatable to put green peppers, but the authentic Roujiamo of Laoshan does not put green peppers.

  He got it.

   And seeing his nodding suddenly realized, the shopkeeper also laughed.

   A few minutes later, a freshly baked margherita pizza was served.

  The owner didn't even use the takeaway box, but took the plate and put it on the small table of his snack cart, with a gesture of "please use".

  Xu Xin didn't see anyone either. The bread was a little hot, but he could bear it.

   One bite...

"Ouch?"

   His eyes lit up.

   It's different.

   It is completely different from what you eat in China.

tasty!

  It's a pity...It would be even more delicious if you can have a spoonful of chili...

   Seeing him devouring the food, the owner smiled proudly, while Liu Yifei and Lin Xingxin swallowed.

   "How about... Let's have one too."

  Hearing this, the owner went to work without saying a word.

  In the end, the buddy said that he didn’t want Xu Xin’s share of the money. Four pizzas received three liras, and he sent the extremely romantic and persistent blessings of the Italians.

   While eating the cake, Xu Xin suddenly said:

   "That's right, it's definitely right to insist on being yourself. It doesn't matter what others think! Right?"

  Lin Juxin and Liu Yifei were stunned...

  He nodded heavily in response:

"right."

   "No problem!"

   "Under the Hawthorn Tree", here we come!

  (end of this chapter)