"Brother Long, I heard you're thinking of changing careers?"
Shen Fang handed Cheng Long a cigarette. Cheng Long lit the cigarette, blew a smoke ring, and nodded.
"I've been acting my whole life, and I'm not young anymore. I want to try a different kind of role."
"I've suffered a lot in my life. I started learning martial arts at the age of 5 and started making movies at the age of 17. It's no exaggeration to say that the injuries I've suffered in my life are more than what most people have suffered in several lifetimes. When I was young, it was okay, but as I got older, these hidden injuries caused me a lot of suffering. How many more years can I still fight? So, a career change is necessary."
Shen Fang nodded, indicating his understanding. He had worked so hard his entire life to earn the title of world-renowned kung fu superstar, and the hardships he endured to achieve such global fame were beyond the comprehension of outsiders. It was understandable that he wanted to transition to a different path as he got older; everyone grows old eventually. Cheng Long had always been burdened by the title of kung fu superstar and had always wanted to transform into a more serious, serious actor.
However, what brought him success could also have been his downfall. Jackie Chan's fame was too great; a career transition isn't easy.
"Brother Long, to be honest, if you want to change your image, you can only do it step by step. Add more dramatic scenes little by little, but focus on action scenes. After all, everyone has some special expectations for you. You are mythologized in everyone's hearts. Take it slow and don't rush."
Jackie Chan smiled and said, "That's what I'm thinking too. It's impossible to just stop making action movies all at once and go straight to art films. We'll take it slow. Next year, we're planning to reboot the Police Story series and make a new Police Story. I'm also planning to collaborate with Daniel Wu and Nicholas Tse. Bro, are you interested in investing?"
Shen Fang smiled and said, "No problem. Just tell me how much investment you need. I'll reserve the female lead for you and find you a great beauty. When it's released in mainland China, Mr. Yu can help with distribution. Dragon Entertainment doesn't have distribution capabilities in China yet, so you'll have to put in the effort."
Upon seeing this, Fatty Yu cupped his hands in a gesture of delight: "Thank you, President Chen. I'll be hosting tomorrow night, everyone must come!"
Wang Zhongjun glanced at Chen Fang with great dissatisfaction. "Chinese people can publish it too, why should it be given to Fatty Yu?"
The truth is, putting aside the fact that the mainland distributors for this film are either China Film Group or Bona Film Group, the current distribution capabilities of Chinese film companies are simply insufficient. Emperor Entertainment isn't stupid; they're not going to do this kind of film.
"Mr. Stephen Chow, I heard from Sister Nan that you're planning to make a kung fu movie?"
Stephen Chow glanced at Charles Heung not far away, pondered for a moment, and nodded: "I have this idea, Mr. Shen, are you interested?"
Shen Fang glanced at Xiang Huaqiang. He had fallen out with Stephen Chow because of this film. Originally, this wasn't Stephen Chow; he was a strong contender for the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor, but ultimately didn't win. In fact, given the circumstances at the time, Kung Fu Hustle absolutely deserved an award. It was a box office champion in both Hong Kong and mainland China, and it was a sensation.
However, because of this film, Stephen Chow refused investment from Charles Heung, the two broke up, and Heung began to suppress Chow. If it weren't for Han Sanping, the producer of CJ7, saving Chow's career when it was released, Chow might have truly faded into obscurity.
Han Sanping is indeed a legend.
Because he alone represents half of China's film history. Whether it's "The Dream Factory," which pioneered the Lunar New Year film genre, or "Nanjing Nanjing," both films owe their success to Han Sanping's support. His influence can be summarized in one sentence: he raised the dragon at the beginning of the film. Well-known film and media companies like Bona Film Group and Little Horse Films, as well as prominent directors in the industry, have all benefited from his influence.
He was also the one who spearheaded the era of blockbuster films. Without him, it would have been quite difficult for Chinese films to get on the right track so quickly.
From a lighting technician at a film studio to the head of China Film Group, Han Sanping single-handedly built China Film Group into the industry leader. As the only company with the right to import foreign films, Han Sanping, as chairman, can be said to have the power of life and death over all Chinese films.
Han Sanping was also particularly good at judging people. Seeing that Stephen Chow was being suppressed by the Xiang family and the Hong Kong Film Awards, which was a waste of his talent, Han Sanping said he would protect him. Talented people are common, but discerning mentors are rare. Only then was Stephen Chow able to unleash his potential and achieve great things.
However, this time, Master Han won't need to take action.
“Mr. Xiang, I heard that you and Stephen Chow have some misunderstandings. I don’t think it’s necessary. Stephen Chow wants to go out and make his own way. Even if you’re reluctant to let him go, you shouldn’t stop him. I know you mean well and are afraid that Stephen Chow will suffer setbacks, but Stephen Chow has this wish, and I think you should respect it. What do you say?” Shen Fang looked at Xiang Huaqiang with a smile.
Xiang Huaqiang frowned, glancing at Shen Fang and then at Stephen Chow. Had these two gotten together? A fire ignited in his heart, but he quickly suppressed it. His purpose in coming here was to cultivate closer ties with the mainland. If he offended Shen Fang, he might lose his acting opportunities in the mainland film industry. Moreover, in Hong Kong, Dragon Harvest was no joke, and with Han Sanye and Minister Liu present, he dared not act recklessly.
After thinking through the pros and cons, Charles Heung smiled at Stephen Chow.
“Xingzai, we’ve worked together for so many years. The reason I didn’t let you go out was because I couldn’t bear to part with you. It was my fault. Since you want to go out and make your own way, I won’t stop you. I wish you a bright future and a smooth journey.”
Upon hearing this, Stephen Chow cupped his hands in thanks to Charles Heung and said, "Thank you, Mr. Heung."
After saying that, he looked at Chen Fang with great gratitude.
Shen Fang smiled and said, "Sir, from now on we're all business partners. If you need any help, please don't hesitate to ask."
Xiang Huaqiang smiled and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Shen."
Zhong Lingxuan smiled slightly.
The bigwigs of the Hong Kong entertainment industry present were shocked. Good heavens, this guy really knows how to handle his boss. He's a real big shot!
I couldn't help but put it away to see what this young big shot was thinking; he was just a smiling tiger.
Han Sanping rolled his eyes at Shen Fang. Mind your own business. It's fine for him to meddle, but if Shen Fang does, he'll probably just cause trouble.
I also talked with the directors and artists present about specific collaborations. Around 12 o'clock, the meeting lasted for more than an hour.
Shen Fang stood up.
"Everyone, please. I have specially invited Mr. Huang today. He is a direct descendant of the imperial chefs and has prepared a Manchu Han Imperial Feast to entertain you. Please."
Cheng Long laughed: "A Manchu Han Imperial Feast? There really are 108 dishes? My brother, I'm in for a treat!"
Shen Fang smiled: "More or less, let's go."
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