Chapter 755 Poaching

When Huang Kairen was promoting "A Shot in the Dark," he was asked on the spot what he thought of the remarks made by the director of "Operation Cloud Dragon."

Huang Kairen said, "Except for a very few actors, most so-called stars, including myself, really don't carry the box office."

The scene erupted in uproar.

Then someone asked, "Then why do you get such high salaries even though you don't carry the box office?"

Huang Kairen reiterated, "Celebrities don't guarantee box office success, but they do bring fame and attention to a film, just like why everyone came to today's roadshow. But beyond being a celebrity, I value the identity of an actor even more. Every time I choose a film, it's because I believe I can bring something to the film that only I, Huang Kairen, can bring."

"Finally, I would also like to say that many people think that actors are paid very much, but in the film industry, to be honest, take me as an example. In the same amount of time, I can earn ten times more for filming a TV series than for filming a movie. The pay for filming movies is far less than people imagine."

“I’m not saying that actors’ pay is low. I admit that our industry has benefited from the times, including our actors’ pay, but it’s not as high as people imagine. In fact, I know many actors who adhere to artistic standards and put the identity of star last and the identity of actor first. So, despite their various halos, they actually live very ordinary lives.”

Huang Kairen's remarks caused a huge uproar.

The most sensitive statement was that his salary for filming TV dramas was one zero higher than his salary for filming movies.

This even led many in the industry to accuse him of deliberately stirring up resentment towards the wealthy among viewers in the film and television industry.

Besides that, many people are more concerned about how much Huang Kairen was paid for starring in "A Needle to the Heart".

This is always the thing that attracts the most attention.

However, even if Huang Kairen wanted to speak, the production company wouldn't let him.

These things are all private and secret.

Even an ordinary person is reluctant to tell others their salary, let alone a public figure who is already under the spotlight.

Suddenly, Huang Kairen found himself in a public opinion crisis.

Many people seem to think that Huang Kairen "has taken full advantage of the situation and is now trying to absolve himself of all responsibility."

Industry insiders are also dissatisfied with Huang Kairen's move.

Huang Kairen did not respond to anything. After communicating with the film's production company, he decided to withdraw from the film's promotional activities.

We waited until May 5th, when the May Day holiday ended.

"A Shot in the Dark" concluded the May Day holiday with a box office of 320 million yuan, and its total box office is expected to reach 600 million yuan, ranking second among May Day holiday films.

Judging from the data, this movie can actually be considered a success.

However, many people believe that if it weren't for the controversy sparked by Huang Kairen, the film's box office could have been even higher.

Afterwards, some people also stepped in, wanting to take the opportunity to bring Huang Kairen down.

Various negative stories and rumors circulated, such as Huang Kairen being blacklisted by the industry and several projects that were in contact with him falling through.

This statement, coupled with Huang Kairen's withdrawal from the promotional schedule for "A Shot in the Dark," seems to have become a fact.

-

Lu Yanhe landed in Jose, in the afternoon local time.

The sun was shining brightly.

More than twenty fans came to the airport, holding up his movie posters to greet him.

Several media outlets also came.

For actors who didn't have any starring films nominated for the main competition this year, this is quite a grand gesture.

Lu Yanhe signed autographs and took photos with several fans before getting into the car arranged by the film festival organizers to pick him up.

As soon as Wang Biao got in the car, he said to Lu Yanhe, "Brother Lu, several foreign media outlets have reported on Huang Kairen's recent controversy today. Sister Ziyan just sent me a message reminding me that at the Jose Film Festival this year, some foreign media outlets may ask you to give your opinion on this matter."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yanhe sighed.

Wang Biao said with a smile, "Sister Ziyan has already prepared some relevant answers for you. If you find it annoying, I will ask the host to help stop it."

Lu Yanhe: "The main reason is that I don't want to answer, and even if I did, I wouldn't be able to tell the whole truth."

Wang Biao: "The most crucial thing is that no matter what we answer, a group of people with ulterior motives will make a fuss about it."

“Hmm,” Lu Yanhe said, “No matter how much I say, it’s useless. That’s roughly the feeling.”

Wang Biao: "Nevertheless, I still have to say it."

Lu Yanhe smiled.

"That's right."

Wang Biao: "We cannot allow those who talk nonsense to occupy the main battlefield of public opinion."

Lu Yanhe: "You're getting better and better at it."

Wang Biao: "I'm by your side every day, so I'm influenced by what I see and hear."

Lu Yanhe then realized that when Wang Biao started working as his assistant, he was not even eighteen years old yet, and now he was only in his early twenties.

However, because he entered the workforce early, he now possesses a confident and capable demeanor while still being young and energetic—in layman's terms, he has the air of a seasoned veteran.

The thought that he wasn't the only one acting so old-fashioned every day brought Lu Yanhe a sense of relief and comfort.

Of course, Lu Yanhe completely ignored the fact that Wang Biao was an "old hand" at such a young age.

-

Lu Yanhe originally thought that his trip to the Jose Film Festival would only involve attending screenings and promotional events for two films and reserving a stage. However, as soon as he arrived at the hotel, Evan Gardi, the editor-in-chief of Jose Film, invited him to a dinner he had organized.

Evan Gardy said that several producers and directors wanted to get to know him.

Lu Yanhe is already in Jose, so it's impossible for him to refuse such an invitation.

When he arrived, he discovered, wow! They were all movie stars.

That makes sense; the guests at the dinner organized by the editor-in-chief of Jose Films couldn't have been ordinary people.

For Lu Yanhe, winning an Oscar feels like a long time ago.

But for the film industry, this matter has only just passed, or even just recently.

Lu Yanhe, who should have been riding high after winning the award, has made no public appearances except for participating in a few promotional events for "Buried Alive" in April.

There were no celebrations, nor did she become a top celebrity at major events.

mystery.

calm.

Actors like this always command a higher level of respect.

There's no way around it; in the world of fame and fortune, what's most abundant is fame and fortune, and what's most scarce is the courage to separate oneself from fame and fortune.

For example, Daniel Day-Lewis.

After Lu Yanhe took his seat, he first exchanged pleasantries and introduced himself to everyone. Then, everyone's conversation naturally turned to Lu Yanhe's upcoming arrangements.

Both directors offered to collaborate with him on their scripts.

Lu Yanhe could only say that he would take a look at the script and if it was suitable, he would definitely act in it.

That night, Lu Yanhe became the undisputed star of the dinner.

After everyone dispersed, Lu Yanhe was left alone by Evan Gardy.

Evan Gardy invited him to visit his study and collection room.

About ten minutes later, another person arrived.

He is Wu Yang, the artistic director of the Jose Film Festival.

Lu Yanhe's old acquaintance.

When Evan Gardy arrived, he smiled and said, "Go get them some drinks," and then left under the pretext of leaving.

After he left, Wu Yang extended an invitation to Lu Yanhe.

"We would like to invite you to serve as the chair of the selection committee for the main competition section of next year's Jose Film Festival."

Lu Yanhe was taken aback. "Huh?"

The biggest difference between the Jose Film Festival and other top international film festivals is that its competition results are determined by votes from the festival's invited audience, rather than by a jury of seven or eight people as is the norm.

However, the Jose Film Festival has a selection committee every year, which, as the name suggests, is the body that decides which films are shortlisted for the main competition.

Normally, this power is held by the artistic director.

Wu Yang is actually going to hand over this power to him?

"This job is too much of a responsibility, and it requires watching a lot of films, which I may not have the time for."

Lu Yanhe's first reaction was to refuse.

This job is certainly prestigious and will further enhance his influence in the world of film.

But I'm so tired.

The chairman of the film selection committee? How many films must he have watched?

Wu Yang said, "Yan He, the Jose Film Festival has always been funded by the Jose government. However, this year we have received a notice that starting next year, the Jose government will no longer provide funding for the Jose Film Festival. We must face the challenge of commercialization, which requires us to further enhance the influence of the Jose Film Festival."

Lu Yanhe frowned and asked, "What does this have to do with inviting me to be the chairman of the film selection committee?"

Wu Yang said, "We have contacted several financial backers in Asia who have the financial strength to sponsor our Jose Film Festival, but the results of the contacts have not been good. The demands made by each party are unacceptable to us. They want to control this film festival."

Lu Yanhe nodded.

Lu Yanhe was not surprised by what Wu Yang said.

Actually, from the perspective of the investors who have the financial strength to sponsor the Jose Film Festival, it is quite normal for them to do so.

They're not doing charity work. If there's no benefit to them, and they're just sponsoring a so-called top international film festival, what are they doing?

To be honest, how much exposure or benefit can such sponsorship bring to their brand?

It's not that there isn't any, but compared to the sponsorship funds needed for a film festival, it's likely to be a losing proposition.

At this point, Lu Yanhe still couldn't understand what this had to do with Wu Yang's sudden invitation for him to be the chairman of the film selection committee.

Wu Yang said, "Among the companies we've contacted that have the resources to sponsor the Jose Film Festival, your China's Shijin Group suggested that if Chinese filmmakers could be more deeply involved in the Jose Film Festival, they would consider becoming one of the sponsors."

“Deep involvement?” Lu Yanhe asked. “What do they mean by deep involvement?”

“For example, a title, a position with real power, or a spot in the main competition,” Wu Yang said. “You know, we definitely cannot agree to the latter. If a spot in the main competition could be bought with money, it would fundamentally shake our Jose Film Festival.”

Lu Yanhe felt inexplicably embarrassed at this moment.

Even if Shi Jin proposes such a approach, from a capital perspective, it is perfectly acceptable.

As a Chinese filmmaker, Lu Yanhe felt genuinely uncomfortable when faced with capital from his own country making such "insulting" conditions to both film and film festivals.

“I understand,” Lu Yanhe said. “Director Wu, how much funding do you need each year to hold the Jose Film Festival?”

“It’s usually between $15 million and $20 million,” Wu Yang said.

Lu Yanhe said, "Have you considered whether it's still necessary for the Jose Film Festival to continue being held in Jose if Jose no longer provides official support?"

Wu Yang was taken aback.

Lu Yanhe said, "How much exposure does the Jose Film Festival bring to the city of Jose every year? How many viewers come before and after the festival, and how much does it boost the local economy? Not to mention, a world-renowned film festival held every year is significant to the city of Jose. You contacted so many powerful investors, why did they propose so many conditions? Because they don't want to lose out, right?"

Wu Yang: "...However, the Jose Film Festival has been held in Jose since its inception."

"The achievements of the Jose Film Festival are built on generations of filmmakers, media, and audiences from all over the world, not on the place of Jose itself," Lu Yanhe stated frankly.

Wu Yang hesitated.

"How effective would it be to have me chair the film selection committee? It would only be a temporary solution," Lu Yanhe said. "The Jose Film Festival is a very valuable film festival. If it needs help, I believe all filmmakers are willing to contribute their efforts. However, if it cannot function properly, we can help once or twice, and then what?"

Wu Yang: "If the Jose Film Festival isn't held in Jose, then—"

“I’m not saying that as a Chinese filmmaker, I’m going to tell you right now that there are many cities in China that can host this film festival, but—” Lu Yanhe said, “Just like the Olympics, does it need to be held in Greece all the time? It’s already a global event, so why can’t the Jose Film Festival follow suit?”

Wu Yang was taken aback.

Lu Yanhe said, “I understand that there is of course a transition period and a lot of adjustments need to be made. I was just giving an example. However, I can say that if you are willing to change the venue, no matter where it is held, I believe there are filmmakers you know and who are willing to help you connect locally. Moreover, given the influence of the Jose Film Festival, I believe many cities would be willing to host it. If you need time to plan this, you can bring the Jose Film Festival to China first. As you know, we have some experience in organizing international film critics' festivals and have good relationships with many city governments. There is only one prerequisite, which is also why Chinese filmmakers are always willing to participate in the Jose Film Festival. This prerequisite is very simple: respect China. As long as you do that, you can feel at home in China.”

(End of this chapter)