Chapter 799 This Road
"Lu Yanhe certainly can't take on art films now; his focus will inevitably shift to commercial films."
At a film association meeting in China, during casual conversation, someone mentioned Lu Yanhe's film projects in Hollywood, noting that they were all commercial films and none of them seemed like they could win awards.
This is how some people explain it.
"He now wants his production company, Linghe, to have a place in Hollywood. If you don't make commercial films, you really can't make a name for yourself in Hollywood."
"If he can really establish Linghe in Hollywood, that would be truly—"
"In fact, now that he has such great abilities, he should make a greater contribution to helping Chinese films gain greater international influence."
"Isn't his contribution great enough? He's won awards, he's made a lot of money at the box office, and he even brought the Jose Film Festival to China."
"It wasn't held in China the whole time; it was just held for two consecutive years."
"That's right. Besides Jose, is there any other city that has hosted the Jose Film Festival? Everyone knows how successful the Jose Film Festival was, right? It can be said to be the most successful international film festival ever held by the Chinese film industry."
“No one denies Lu Yanhe’s contributions. What I mean is, with so many resources at his disposal, Lu Yanhe could actually do even more.”
"Old Chen, if I remember correctly, you just bought another luxury house last year? I think it was over 20 million, right? Actually, you don't have many resources, but they're enough. I happen to have an art film that I haven't been able to find investors for. Why don't you invest?"
"you--"
"No way? You're not even willing to do this?"
"What do you mean?"
"It belongs to someone else, so it's not in my own hands anyway. Anyone can say a few nice things and ignore it. What do you think I mean? I just mean to say nice things."
...
"Enough!" Yuan Jianglei was furious and slammed his hand on the table.
When the president got angry, everyone else fell silent.
"Do you want to hear what you're saying? This is the China Film Association, not some neighborhood committee. If you're going to argue, at least do it in a more sophisticated and meaningful way, okay? Lu Yanhe's contributions to Chinese cinema over the past two years are undeniable. Those who question him should go and win an international award first!"
Yuan Jianglei was genuinely furious.
"How could you be so short-sighted?!"
The group fell silent, terrified.
“It’s only because Wen Shengming isn’t here today that you dare to say these things. Let me tell you, if you don’t correct your current thinking and continue to regard Lu Yanhe as someone who has stolen your resources and status, you are the modern-day Qin Hui.”
After Yuan Jianglei said this, everyone's expression changed drastically.
No one expected that Yuan Jianglei would say something so serious.
"President Yuan, you can't say that, can you? We just hope that Lu Yanhe can devote more resources and energy to promoting the development of Chinese films. We all mean well."
"That's right. If this is going to be called a modern-day Qin Hui, then we'd better not speak up anymore."
"We simply lack the resources and capabilities to do so; otherwise, we would all—"
"You guys have something else on your hands, don't you?" Yuan Jianglei suddenly interrupted them. "Although you don't have Lu Yanhe's resources and capabilities overseas, each of you has connections with film companies, investments, and shares. You have the resources and capabilities to help some filmmakers grow, right? I'm not asking you to make one film a year each. For the good of Chinese cinema, how about each of you help make one art film every three years?"
The entire audience fell silent.
Yuan Jianglei's performance today was completely different from usual.
No one expected him to be so angry today.
What exactly happened?
Just then, Liu Fu suddenly said, "Chairman Yuan's suggestion is excellent. In recent years, Chinese films have performed exceptionally well at international film festivals, and this momentum must be maintained. Since major film companies are making commercial films, our film association should also shoulder our responsibilities. I support Chairman Yuan's suggestion that every three years, my company will support the production of an art film to actively participate in international film festivals."
As soon as Liu Fu spoke, several people nearby immediately looked at him with hostility.
Why are you sticking your neck out at this time? What are you trying to prove your loyalty for?
Liu Fu remained unfazed.
As soon as Liu Fu spoke, another person immediately said, "I also support Chairman Yuan's opinion. Since we are in the management committee, we should set an example. I also believe that not only should each of us actively support the production of art films, but our association should also learn from Linghe. As far as I know, Linghe allocates a production fund every year specifically to support the production of debut films by new directors and art films."
“Yes, most of our current film funds are taken up by patriotic films and blockbusters by famous directors. Those who really need this fund to make films are often met with all sorts of difficulties.” Liu Fu immediately chimed in, “Wang Shuai’s two films were shortlisted for the four major international film festivals. He applied for our film support fund twice, but was not approved.”
Yuan Jianglei: "Isn't it said that most of the films that have won awards or been nominated overseas in recent years are more or less related to Lu Yanhe? Wang Shuai has no connection with him, yet he was nominated for the main competition of the four major international film companies twice. I'm very curious, then why did such a director fail to get funding support twice? One failure could be an accident, but two failures? Is it because he lacks talent, or is it because we don't have the eyes to see talent?"
The meeting quickly turned into a denunciation session.
This is not the first time.
Whenever Lu Yanhe is mentioned, and someone expresses "dissatisfaction" or "offers opinions" about him, the conversation always ends up turning to him.
After the meeting ended, everyone dispersed like birds and beasts.
People started chatting in small groups about what had happened at the meeting.
Some people are dissatisfied, some are complaining, and some are puzzled.
"What's wrong with Yuan Jianglei? He's acting like he's been bewitched, so protective of Lu Yanhe."
"Who knows? But I heard that the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television seems to be considering promoting him. For the past few years, he has been holding the title of president of the Film Association, but he is different from us."
"They still have career prospects to consider."
"The fact that the Jose Film Festival was able to be held in Yuming was due to the mediation of the China Film Association. The final result was so good that it is not surprising that he was promoted."
"If he gets promoted, wouldn't the position of chairman be vacant?" Someone's eyes lit up instantly.
"Stop dreaming. The General Administration will definitely send someone to this position, just like they sent Yuan Jianglei back then. It has nothing to do with us." Someone laughed, their face full of sarcasm. "Besides, even if they gave you this position, would you dare to sit in it? Would you be able to sit there securely?"
No one responded to that.
-
After Lu Yanhe joined the crew of "Cloud", he received the same treatment as he did in the crew of "Godless".
Everyone was very polite and enthusiastic towards him.
However, one actress was an exception.
Louisa May.
She had a conflict with "Cloud" during their initial negotiations, and was subsequently manipulated by Lu Yanhe under the guise of Wen Minglan's contact for negotiations, which provoked Louisa May to abandon her side's "competition" and back down.
Lu Yanhe was actually speechless.
This is your conflict. If you're so capable, then don't argue with me, or don't back down.
Why are you blaming me?
However, precisely because some people in the crew thought Wang Biao couldn't understand English, they didn't really keep their mouths shut about him. As a result, Wang Biao overheard Louisa May telling other actors that Lu Yanhe was "taking advantage of the situation."
Lu Yanhe couldn't help but sneer after hearing this from Wang Biao.
Taking advantage of someone's misfortune?
Is this how you use this word?
Lu Yanhe was speechless.
However, Lu Yanhe couldn't just rush up to her and yell at her.
If the other party denies it outright, he becomes the clown.
Even Lu Yanhe couldn't cause her trouble over trivial matters.
Regardless of the fact that she's a veteran of the "Cloud" series and he's a newcomer, she's already taken the initiative to make everyone aware of her dissatisfaction with him. At this point, any actions or words he takes will lead to genuine misunderstandings for those who don't know the full story.
Lu Yanhe had no interest in doing something that would give him a sense of satisfaction but actually result in huge losses.
But this doesn't mean Lu Yanhe would be willing to swallow his anger.
He told Chen Ziyan about it without any hesitation, and a day later, an American tabloid reported an "insider story".
Louisa May almost missed out on the "Cloud" series because she asked Paula for an exorbitant salary that far exceeded market rates.
In this report, Louisa May is described as a greedy and ruthless person.
This tabloid appeared directly on the film set.
No one knew who brought this tabloid to the set, and why it was presented to Louisa May in front of everyone.
Louisa May was so angry when she saw it that her face turned red.
Her first reaction was to look at Lu Yanhe.
Lu Yanhe remained unperturbed, his expression calm and composed.
Louisa May must be furious.
Lu Yanhe didn't care whether she could react or not; he was the one who did it.
Whether she knows it or not, it doesn't have much impact on Lu Yanhe.
Lu Yanhe simply wanted the production crew to know the inside story behind the so-called "profiteering during a crisis."
This movie doesn't just have those two actors.
The statement that "Luisa May demanded a higher salary than Lu Yanhe would have received for two weeks of filming" was not only a provocation to Lu Yanhe, but also to the other actors in the crew whose salaries were far lower than his.
Lu Yanhe's publicly disclosed fee for his cameo appearance in "Hurricane 2" for three days was $1.5 million.
Now, Lu Yanhe's salary for starring in "Cloud" is definitely not lower than this figure.
However, in "In the Clouds," many actors who played important roles may not have received such high salaries.
Why does Louisa May command a higher salary than them?
Of course, in reality, Lu Yanhe had no idea whether Louisa May's initial salary request was higher than his salary for starring in "In the Clouds".
However, taking him as an example, others simply cannot distinguish between the genuine and the fake.
His salary and confidentiality clauses were clearly written in the contract, so even Paula wouldn't come forward to clarify how much Lu Yanhe was paid.
Louisa May suffered a setback, discovering that the people on the set—especially the actors—had changed their attitude towards her.
She knew perfectly well why.
Lu Yanhe sneered.
Taking advantage of someone's misfortune, we're all in the same boat.
-
Regardless of what Louisa May says, Lu Yanhe's interpersonal relationships on the set of "Cloud" are not bad.
Just like in a company, how many people would openly cut ties with a top salesperson just because someone said something bad about them who has access to abundant resources?
Lu Yanhe launched several projects in Hollywood, especially the seemingly formulaic thriller/crime film "Red Eye," which ultimately grossed $200 million worldwide, making Jiang Yuqian a star once again after "The Squid Game."
It is human nature to seek advantage and avoid harm.
Who can say that they won't have a project collaboration with Lu Yanhe someday?
Louisa May actually understood this as well.
She was simply portraying herself as an innocent victim.
An innocent girl whose role was almost stolen by Lu Yanhe—
They're just trying to gain some sympathy.
What she didn't expect was that Lu Yanhe would retaliate so quickly.
Moreover, striking at the snake's vital point left her unable to refute, wanting to fight back but hindered by fear of provoking further retaliation.
-
Soon after, the Venice International Film Festival announced the list of nominees for its main competition.
"Dingfeng No. 1," directed by Liu Bige and starring Lu Yanhe and Wen Shengming, is prominently featured on the list.
In addition, a Chinese-language film was also nominated.
This is the latest work by director Yu Qin, whose previous film, "Happy Time," was nominated for the main competition at the Venice International Film Festival.
"live".
To be honest, this movie initially approached Jiang Yuqian, but Yu Qin required her to give six months to focus solely on filming without taking on any other work. At the time, Jiang Yuqian had just gained some international fame and couldn't possibly disappear for six months, so she declined. Later, they approached a series of other popular actresses in the industry, including Su Xiao.
Of course, Ning Xiulian, who won the Best Actress Award at the Venice International Film Festival for her role in "Happy Time," also received an invitation.
In the end, they all refused.
For many actresses, an art film that only offers a salary of 100,000 yuan and requires six months of their time to make is too risky.
Even though this is director Yu Qin's new work.
In the end, Yu Qin did not compromise and used a completely unknown actress. She found her from the theater, and the actress had only found time because the theater had closed down. Her name was Wei Xue.
No one expected that "The Living" would actually be shortlisted for the main competition at the Venice International Film Festival once again.
-
The crew of "Dingfeng No. 1" announced to the media long ago that Lu Yanhe would attend this year's Venice International Film Festival.
The film "Doomsday," which is scheduled for release in North America on October 12, will also have its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival for promotional purposes.
After filming "Cloud in the Sky", Lu Yanhe returned to China first.
Linghe plans to start filming two movies in the second half of the year, and with other plans in place, they will hold a press conference this month to make all the announcements.
These two movies were promised to Xiao Yun and Su Xiao by Lu Yanhe long ago.
One film, "My Sassy Girl," and another, "If Love Has a Destiny."
The original works are all classic Korean romance films.
It is also a landmark work for actresses Jun Ji-hyun and Son Ye-jin in the early stages of their acting careers.
As the key figure in Linghe and the screenwriter of these two films, Lu Yanhe certainly needs to be present.
In fact, Chen Yin had considered whether to hold the press conference at the Venice International Film Festival.
But after calculating the costs, I decided against it. The movie hasn't even been filmed yet, so it can't be sold yet. It's just for publicity. Sending a bunch of celebrities there would cost close to seven figures, just for round-trip airfare and local accommodation.
Linghe is certainly not short of money now, and he doesn't want to spend it recklessly.
In addition to these two films, several other films that Linghe prepared and started filming last year have entered or completed post-production. They will also be released together this time to start promotional activities for their release.
From Zhang Zheyi's (Malaysian Chinese director) film "Red Shoes" to Li Yuefeng's "Corpse" to Wang Jing's "Summer Night Villa Horror" and "Childhood is an Adventure in a Summer Night" starring several children.
Lu Yanhe was quite surprised when he received this list of films.
He knew about every single film from the very beginning of its planning stages. But how come some were already finished filming while others were about to start production?
He really knew nothing about the story in between.
Because he had a very pleasant experience working with Li Yuefeng on "The Corpse," Lu Yanhe felt that Li Yuefeng was also inexplicably suitable for playing the role of a submissive boyfriend, so Li Yuefeng was ultimately cast as the male lead in "My Sassy Girl."
The two male leads in "If Love Has a Destiny" are Yang Shiyi, who played the role in the TV series "Rouge", and Zhang Chun, who stood out from the audition.
The press conference held on August 16th was not held in a large venue, and the event was not as grand as some other ceremonies.
However, Linghe rented a theater instead of going to a hotel, and specially decorated the venue, which created a very different atmosphere.
Most importantly, they even set up a red carpet photo opportunity at the theater entrance—
Without exception, all the actors from these projects were present.
For a time, the lineup and number of celebrities present were comparable to some small-scale grand events.
When Lu Yanhe made his grand entrance, everyone's eyes were on him, both on the red carpet and inside the venue.
Lu Yanhe was momentarily dazed.
It seems like we haven't been on this path for very long, so how did we suddenly accumulate such a large fortune?
But looking back, the road has been neither short nor easy.
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
