Chapter 791 Don't Talk Nonsense

It exploded! It exploded!

The next edition of the Jose Film Festival will still be held in China!

The shock and impact of this news were even greater than the reach and frequency of the announcement of the award winners.

One British media outlet directly criticized the event, suggesting that the Jose Film Festival should be renamed the Chinese Film Festival.

Of course, many people also expressed their support online.

The main reason is that this year's José Film Festival was so successful in Nuevo del Mar. It was especially appealing to audiences. Nuevo del Mar is a large city with excellent public facilities. Even with hundreds of thousands of film fans and casual moviegoers vying for tickets, hundreds of theaters and cinemas provided screenings for hundreds of films, unlike the previous festivals in José where tickets were impossible to obtain. Almost every film had screenings every day, allowing everyone to coordinate their schedules and choose which shows to see.

This is especially true for foreign audiences, as it is overly friendly.

True film buffs come specifically for these movies and hope to see every single one. However, in Jose, due to the limited number of screenings and the distance between screening times and locations, it's difficult to catch up, and they often have to give up on seeing several movies they want to watch. This problem doesn't exist in Yuming.

On social media, many people are praising their experience at this year's Jose Film Festival.

This is exactly the feedback that China hopes to get from hosting the Jose Film Festival.

-

"Home Alone 2 grossed $720 million worldwide, and now it has received such good overseas reviews at the Jose Film Festival. Several Chinese films, including Muddy, Hesitant View of Life, and Neon, have won awards at the four major international film festivals. In addition, the next Jose Film Festival will still be held in China. The higher-ups have already spoken to me on the phone and discussed that they will further increase their support for the film industry in the second half of the year."

At the Standing Council meeting of the China Film Association, President Yuan Jianglei could not hide his excitement.

Regardless of what others were thinking, their faces showed excitement and joy.

“Yan He made a significant contribution this time,” Yuan Jianglei said. “Our association should also express our gratitude and award him. Yan He also played a crucial role in ensuring that the next edition of the Jose Film Festival can continue to be held in China and in Jinkou.”

At this moment, Wen Shengming suddenly smiled—a forced smile—and said, “If five or six Chinese films are shortlisted this year, I wonder if the next edition will still be held in China.”

He didn't even glance at Wu Meng, who had expressed strong opinions about Lu Yanhe at the time. However, as soon as he finished speaking, everyone's eyes turned to him, lightly landing on Wu Meng's "neither way nor the other" dilemma.

Yuan Jianglei smiled.

“Shengming, you’ve acted in a movie with Xiao Lu before. You should bring Xiao Lu to participate in our film association’s activities more often.”

Wu Meng said with a smile, "President, Lu Yanhe is a very busy person. He doesn't have much time to participate in our film association's small activities. He might not even be interested in them."

Yuan Jianglei glanced at Wu Meng.

Wen Shengming said, "If Chairman Wu could give up his seat and let Xiao Lu sit there, Xiao Lu would definitely be happy to take it."

Wu Meng's face instantly turned ashen and then pale.

Wen Shengming glanced at him, his eyes conveying a warning.

Wu Meng did not speak again.

Wen Shengming then said, "Xiao Lu is very young and on the rise. He is leading such a large company as Linghe to venture into the international market. If we give him some positions in the association now, it will actually be a bit of a constraint for him. But indeed, we cannot fail to show our appreciation to those who have made contributions. How about giving him an honorary title?"

Yuan Jianglei nodded.

"I think it's okay."

-

After the Jose Film Festival ended, Lu Yanhe slept for a long time, but he only slept for nine hours before waking up.

"..."

Being fed nutritious meals every day and constantly being ordered to exercise, I have to say, my body has become stronger and healthier.

I can't even sleep for that long anymore.

Chen Siqi and the others, on the contrary, became busy.

After the Jose Film Festival, the International Critics' Film Festival will be held in June.

This year, thanks to the Jose Film Festival, they invited more films to be screened than in the previous two years.

The cinema owners in Yuming were very happy.

Because of the two film festivals, from May to June, a large number of film fans went to the cinema every day to watch these films, resulting in impressive box office returns.

However, there were fewer film critics attending the film festival this time.

Since we already came once in May, we weren't so keen on coming again in June.

Nevertheless, Chen Siqi and her team are still working diligently, determined to make this film festival a long-term, stable, and high-quality event.

In fact, Lu Yanhe thought this was really good.

Although the Jumping Critics' Film Festival cannot compare with the top international film festivals in terms of scale and nature, it is doing better and better in this niche field, with increasing popularity and influence. Most importantly, it is gaining more and more recognition within the industry—and this is in the context of the global film industry.

This is just a small spark.

As long as you keep doing it, develop your own style, and gain recognition, no one knows what will happen in the future or what form you will take.

Lu Yanhe believes that for a major film-producing country like China, although it lacks a truly internationally recognized film festival or award due to its late start, as long as it doesn't have unrealistic expectations of surpassing XXX within a few years and instead focuses on developing its own film festival, it will gradually create some "small but beautiful" works.

For example, the FIRST International Film Festival. In this parallel universe, the film festival has been held year after year. It started out as a makeshift event, but it has become more and more formal each year, attracting more and more real film stars.

This shows that if you do your best, you will naturally attract outstanding people.

Xin Yukun's "The Coffin in the Mountain" amazed the audience here, and he later brought us "Wrath of Silence".

Tu Men's "Old Beast," for which he won the Golden Horse Award for Best Actor, was also his directorial debut, which came from here.

Gu Xiaogang's "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" is a rare non-major director art film in recent years that has gained some mainstream attention.

Wen Muye, the director of "Dying to Survive", won the Best Feature Film award in the short film competition section of the "College Student Film Festival" here in 2011. Later, in 2013, he met Xu Zheng, who was a judge at FIRST International Film Festival.

The film "Love Myth," brimming with bourgeois charm, met Ma Yili at the FIRST International Film Festival's project pitching section.

...

In China, this is a legitimate film festival that provides opportunities for truly unknown newcomers and young people, even though it calls itself a film exhibition.

That's why it's able to do better year after year.

Humans are pragmatic, but pragmatism is not necessarily vulgar or heartless.

If the Jump Up International Critics' Film Festival continues year after year, ensuring that each edition features discerning film selections, insightful critics, and a rewarding experience for hardcore film enthusiasts, it could eventually become an irreplaceable niche film festival.

Once it possesses irreplaceable qualities, it becomes either one of the "Big Four" or one of the "Big Ones"—only then can it truly become a flower in the "hundred flowers blooming" phenomenon.

Even if this flower is in a corner, people still have to come and see it.

-

The success of the Jose Film Festival in Yuming this year was largely due to Yuming's ability to host film fans as a megacity, which greatly increased the global participation of film fans. In addition, Lu Yanhe invited a host of big names through Linghe and his connections, making this film festival no less impressive than any other film festival.

Especially with the participation of these big names this time, who come from all over the world, the interviews, exchanges, parties, media meetings... it wasn't just a "been there, done that" kind of check-in, but a real stay for several days, a deep involvement.

After resting for a few days, Lu Yanhe reviewed the situation and summarized his experiences. He realized that he had been too busy and had forgotten about a brand new growth point.

With so many copyright holders, how could they forget to directly invite screenwriters to bring their scripts to the trading market and sell them?!

Looking back, if any of these films win a major award anywhere, you can say that this film started at the Jose Film Festival!

The prestige and influence of a film festival are built up through each and every film it produces.

Forget it, let's not let the Jose Film Festival benefit from it.

Lu Yanhe thought to himself, why don't I take the lead in organizing an international script trading market?

The script is too narrow; the concept should be broader.

It should be a good story international trading market.

-

After resting for a few days, Lu Yanhe felt a bit better and went to Shihuo to find Chen Ziyan.

Chen Ziyan wanted to ask Lu Yanhe to come and help her look at the career development plans for several actors that the company was focusing on cultivating.

"You guys think too highly of me, making me come here to see this." Lu Yanhe complained to Chen Ziyan as soon as he entered the door.

Chen Ziyan said, "What's wrong with letting you come and see this? You have a good eye for actors, especially when it comes to what kind of roles they are suited for and what kind of breakthroughs they can make."

Lu Yanhe: "Nonsense."

“What nonsense are you talking about? I’m telling you the truth,” Chen Ziyan said. “The show ‘The Birth of an Actor’ has brought several of our contracted talented actors back into the spotlight. However, they are no longer young. Given the company’s current situation and their own abilities, it’s not difficult to ensure they continue to have roles and projects. But if we want them to take a step further like Jiang Jun and become true A-list stars and leading actors, we need to plan this out carefully.”

Lu Yanhe nodded.

It's true that middle-aged actors have a harder time getting ahead than younger actors, especially from the perspective of A-list stars.

Cases like Gao Ye's, who encountered "The Storm" and rose to fame overnight, are truly rare and precious opportunities.

Why do I say that? Because a woman like the "big sister" (or "big sister") is a rare find in the market, appearing only occasionally. Sometimes, you might have a lot of skills but no opportunity to use them.

However, popular characters in both modern and historical dramas, such as school heartthrobs, academic geniuses, domineering CEOs, and revered teachers, which have been tested by the market, are steadily produced every year, so there are always opportunities to compete for them.

Lu Yanhe said to Chen Ziyan, "Actually, I think there are only two paths. Either continue to take the strategy of 'besieging Wei to rescue Zhao' by participating in variety shows or other exposure programs to maintain market popularity and commercial value, and then gradually deepen their presence in the market, or calm down and become a 'veteran actor,' giving the whole market the impression of 'acting well,' which can also attract good producers and directors to approach them. However, if you want to reach the top in one step—I mean quickly—then it's very simple: find a screenwriter to tailor-make a script for them."

Chen Ziyan nodded.

“I was inspired by what you said about wanting to create a good story international trading market,” Chen Ziyan said. “What I want to do is combine these points.”

"Huh?" Lu Yanhe was taken aback.

Chen Ziyan: "First, I want to make a program that follows and records the experiences of talented actors. The program will focus on them and film their experiences over the next year to maintain their exposure and popularity. However, it will not be a variety show-style or label-style popularity, but rather an exposure that deepens their image as talented actors."

"Secondly, in this program, I want to use these few as 'assigned topics' to solicit scripts from the market, or for screenwriters to tailor-make scripts for them—for many screenwriters, they also need this kind of opportunity to be recognized."

Lu Yanhe suddenly realized.

"It's both a gimmick and a genuine attempt to create opportunities for them; we're taking a three-pronged approach."

"Yes." Chen Ziyan nodded.

"That's incredible," Lu Yanhe exclaimed. "You're still you, and you have to be yourself. Even if you don't end up getting a script perfectly tailored for you, this show has deepened your image as a good actor. With a show like this that targets the industry and professionals, many people in the industry watch it, and they've been noticed by film and television companies, producers, and directors. When there are roles that can't find actors—often complex and challenging roles—they'll think of these actors, and their opportunities will increase. Most importantly, the popularity and commercial value they gained from 'The Birth of an Actor' will continue. They won't fade into obscurity and become unknown because of the delays in filming."

Chen Ziyan smiled.

"That is indeed what I'm thinking."

-

Chen Ziyan's professional skills have always been top-notch.

On this point, Lu Yanhe has never questioned it.

But since Chen Ziyan already has a clear plan for them, why did she need to bring him over?

Was it merely to offer his opinion on this matter?

Lu Yanhe looked at Chen Ziyan with a puzzled expression.

Chen Ziyan said, "I hope that no matter what, at the end of this program, Linghe can provide them with a good project and a good role."

Lu Yanhe suddenly realized.

Chen Ziyan said, "It's not for these actors, but since this program is a documentary and will show so much of the actual situation in the industry, I hope that the final result will not be a complete waste. For the general public, it would be a waste if they didn't get a good role."

Lu Yanhe said, "If that's the case, to be honest, Sister Ziyan, having Linghe guarantee the project isn't really a good idea, is it? Everyone knows the relationship between Linghe and Shihuo. It feels like Wang Po selling melons, praising her own wares."

Chen Ziyan: "There are many actors signed with Shihuo, but 90% of them have never acted in Linghe. For actors, the key is the role, and what will remain in the audience's heart is the role."

Lu Yanhe nodded. "Alright, since you put it that way, I can guarantee that Linghe's project will cover their costs."

-

At noon, Lu Yanhe had lunch with Chen Ziyan and Lu Qingzhen.

Lu Qingzhen personally handled all of Lu Yanhe's business collaborations, including endorsements.

Lu Yanhe raised his glass to thank Lu Qingzhen.

Lu Qingzhen chuckled and joked, "Are you satisfied with my work? Didn't you express your gratitude and then fire me?"

Lu Yanhe: "How could I dare?"

Lu Qingzhen's laughter was like a silver bell, very clear and crisp.

She said, "Actually, you know what?"

Suddenly, she kept everyone in suspense.

"Huh?" Lu Yanhe was taken aback and asked, "What?"

Lu Qingzhen said, "The brands you work with are very concerned about one thing. They ask me about it almost every quarter. Do you know what it is?"

Lu Yanhe shook his head suspiciously, while looking at Chen Ziyan.

He saw a look of helplessness on Chen Ziyan's face.

Clearly, Chen Ziyan had already guessed what Lu Qingzhen wanted to say.

"What is it? I can't guess." Lu Yanhe shook his head.

Lu Qingzhen smiled and winked, teasingly saying in an older sisterly tone, "Everyone is eager to know when you're going to hold your wedding. They can't wait to sponsor it."

Lu Yanhe: "..."

Hearing this answer, everyone was stunned.

This was a direction he had never even considered.

Lu Qingzhen: "I reckon you and Siqi will be together for about a few years, so I need to ask your opinion so I can communicate with these brands later. Would you be willing to have these brands sponsor your wedding?"

Lu Yanhe shook his head without hesitation.

"I don't want my wedding to turn into a circus."

Lu Qingzhen shook her head, then suddenly took out her wallet from her bag, pulled out five 100-yuan bills, and placed them in front of Chen Ziyan.

Lu Yanhe stared at the scene in surprise and asked, "What's going on?"

Chen Ziyan: "She made a bet with me. I said there was absolutely no room for negotiation with you. She said if you hesitated for even a second, I would lose. Well, I won."

She beamed with joy.

Lu Yanhe: "..."

Lu Qingzhen looked at Lu Yanhe with doting eyes.

"I can't wait to see what your child looks like." Suddenly realizing something, she turned pale with shock. "You're not going to do something like 'getting pregnant first and buying the ticket later,' are you?"

"..." Lu Yanhe blushed slightly for a moment.

Chen Ziyan rolled her eyes at Lu Qingzhen, "Don't talk nonsense."

(End of this chapter)