1980 My literary era

The shock caused by "Nandu Weekend" in the Chinese press is still continuing, but Lin Weimin's work and life are as usual.

Those who attacked him have all received the punishment they deserve. The "Nandu Weekend" publication itself has also been severely damaged, and all the revenge he deserves has been avenged.

Time has come to the end of August, and the first volume of "French Literature" of "World Literature Masterpiece Library" has entered the intensive review stage and will be printed in a while.

Recently, Lin Weimin has been discussing with the printing house the printing and binding of the "World Literature Masterpiece Library".

As one of the most important book series of the Chinese Literature Society in the decades since its establishment, Lin Weimin plans to introduce new ones in this series.

So he came up with a bold idea to use Bible paper as printing paper while pursuing exquisite and elegant binding.

"You take a look at this first."

Lin Weimin handed Mou Chunzhi a beautifully bound English original book. Mou Chunzhi did not know English and looked at the content with a blank expression, but he is the vice president of the Chinese Language Society who is responsible for the printing business.

His professional instinct made him immediately aware of the difference between this book and the books he encountered in daily life.

"Is this... Bible paper?"

"That's right."

What Lin Weimin handed to Mou Chunzhi was Alexis de Tocqueville's "On American Democracy" included in the "American Library". The printing paper was thin but extremely tough Bible paper.

This is also the biggest publicity point of the American Library, as all books are printed on Bible paper.

Bible paper, as the name suggests, is the paper used to print the Bible.

In fact, it is a thin paper made of all wood fiber pulp. Because it is commonly used to print Bibles, it has always been called Bible paper.

The characteristics of this kind of paper are that it is light and thin, with a basis weight of only 14 pounds to 30 pounds. It also has such features as white and delicate paper surface, tight and smooth texture, good toughness, good wear resistance, not easy to change color, anti-fading, and long-lasting color brightness of printed fonts. Advantages of waiting.

The only disadvantage is that it requires high printing equipment and technology, and there are not many manufacturers that can print it worldwide.

Another disadvantage that is not a disadvantage is the high cost. The cost of this kind of paper is 40% higher than that of ordinary printing paper.

Mou Chunzhi held the book and said, "What do you mean..."

"I plan to use this kind of paper for the printing of World Literature Masterpiece Library."

Although he was prepared, Mou Chunzhi was still taken aback.

Leaders really dare to think!

The book "On Democracy in the United States" in his hand is a 940-page book. If it were printed on the printing paper currently used by the Chinese Literature Society, he would probably have to use two hands to hold it.

But now, this 940-page tome was placed in his hands, and when he held it, it felt extremely real, better than any book Mou Chunzhi had ever read.

He had to admit in his heart that if he used this kind of paper, it would look really good, and even he couldn't help but have a collecting habit in his heart.

But at the same time, he has one head and two heads. The leader wants to come up with one thing at a time. This Bible paper is not only difficult to produce, but also costly. It also requires very high printing equipment and technology.

"Chief Editor, Bible paper is rarely imported in China. The cost is high and the requirements for printing equipment are also very high. Our printing factory can't do it, not even Xinhua Printing Factory."

Lin Weimin nodded, "Of course I know this."

"Do you know about the Amity Foundation?"

Mou Chunzhi shook his head blankly. He never paid attention to charity, so how could he know about the foundation.

Lin Weimin had no choice but to explain patiently: "The Amity Foundation is a foundation initiated by Mr. Ding of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and was established in 1985. In 1986, the Amity Foundation and the United Bible Societies jointly founded the Amity Printing Co., Ltd., which is the only one in the country. A printing house that legally printed large quantities of Bibles.”

Mou Chunzhi understood what Lin Weimin meant, "Do you want to use their printing house to print the World Literature Masterpiece Library?"

"right."

"But..." Mou Chunzhi showed some hesitation on his face, "Can a printing house like theirs accept our business?"

"Everything can be discussed! The Bible paper at Amity Printing Factory is donated by the United Bible Societies. It is rationed every year and is specially used for printing Bibles. We will definitely not be able to use it.

So I contacted a friend in the United States who is a publisher. I can ask him to help purchase a batch of printing paper in the name of Amity Printing Factory. Amity Printing Factory is a joint venture and has no restrictions on the use of foreign exchange. We will then pay Amity Printing Factory RMB. "

Seeing that Lin Weimin's words were clear and logical, Mou Chunzhi couldn't help but ask: "Chief Editor, have you contacted me yet?"

"Absolutely. I met Mr. Ding and the two leaders of the Amity Foundation when I participated in foundation activities. When I told them about this matter, they were willing to help.

Our "World Literature Masterpiece Library" is a national-level book series, and even if you help with printing, it won't cost you anything. Even the printing and binding are all done by them. The price is not cheap, after all, it uses other people's foreign exchange. "

When Lin Weimin said this, he looked at Mou Chunzhi and said, "Old Mou, it's up to you now!"

Mou Chunzhi was speechless for a while, feeling that he was just a tool, only useful when bargaining.

But that’s okay, work is much easier.

If Lin Weimin really just came up with an idea and relied on him to implement the specific affairs, he would be exhausted.

The subsequent printing and binding matters of "Masterpieces of World Literature" were handed over to Mou Chunzhi, and Lin Weimin had one less job to do.

After returning home in the evening and coaxing the children for a while, Zhang Yimou and Han Zhuangzhuang arrived hand in hand.

"Sit down for a while, dinner will take a while."

Lin Weimin handed the child to Tao's mother and chatted with the two.

The production of "Qiu Ju's Lawsuit" has now been completed. In two days, Zhang Yimou will fly to Venice with the two leading actors, Han Zhuangzhuang and Gong Li, to participate in the Venice Film Festival.

The meal the two of them had today was considered a Zhuang banquet, and Han Zhuangzhuang couldn't help but sigh.

"Red Sorghum" had just been produced five years ago, and by chance, it was qualified to participate in the Berlin Film Festival.

At that time, the unknown new director Zhang Yimou took him and Gong Li, two newcomers to the film industry, to Berlin.

At that time, no one would have thought that "Red Sorghum" would achieve such great results and win the first international award in the Chinese film industry in the past century.

Last year Zhang Yimou took away a Silver Lion from Venice. This year he made a comeback and aimed at the Golden Lion.

But he was still a little uneasy, and his words revealed a bit of unconfidence.

Lin Weimin consoled him: "Don't worry. You won the Silver Lion in Venice last year, and this is the second time you've given me face like this. The organizing committee won't be so disrespectful. I went to Rome to receive the award some time ago, and I happened to know two of this year's judges. , I talked to them about your movie, and they were very interested."

Before Zhang Yimou could ask, Han Zhuangzhuang spoke first, "Uncle, do you know the judges? What are their names?"

Lin Weimin named Ennio Morricone and Gianni Amelio, and Han Zhuangzhuang said: "Ennio Morricone, I know he was the one to score "Cinema Paradiso" and "Once Upon a Time in America" Music, what does Gianni Amelio do?”

"An Italian director, last year his film "Open Your Heart" was nominated for an Oscar. It was his work."

"Oh, you seem to be pretty good at being a judge."

"nonsense."

During the conversation between the two, Zhang Yimou looked calm and did not interrupt, but Lin Weimin's words effectively alleviated his inner anxiety.

"When can I be a judge at the film festival?" Han Zhuangzhuang said in an envious tone.

Zhang Yimou said at this time: "This shouldn't be difficult, your international reputation is not low now."

When Han Zhuangzhuang heard what he said, he said happily: "Really? If I have a chance, I will definitely be a judge. It will definitely be fun."

"Look at your potential! Are you satisfied with being a judge? If you want to be a judge, just be the chairman of the committee, otherwise what's the point?"

After Lin Weimin finished speaking, he looked at Han Zhuangzhuang and said: "You're a little bit embarrassed, there is no best actor around. On the other hand, Yimou, if he wins the Golden Lion this time, it will be more than enough for the three major European awards to be the chairman of the jury."

Han Zhuangzhuang patted Zhang Yimou on the shoulder and said, "Yimou is fine, it has reached this level now."

A wry smile appeared on Zhang Yimou's face, "Teacher Lin, please don't make fun of me."

A few people chatted and laughed as the food was ready.

While eating, we talked about "A Sunny Day" that Jiang Wen has been filming for almost a year and "Farewell My Concubine" that Cheng Kaige is preparing.

Since the filming started on November 1 last year, the filming of "Sunny Days" has been going on for eleven months and is expected to be completed next month.

The mid-term shooting of a movie can take a year. Don't believe that this is "slow work and meticulous work". It is entirely because the director is an amateur.

Jiang Wen is not an outsider in the film industry, but he is indeed a novice in the position of director.

Meeting Lin Weimin and Michael Phillips was the greatest luck in his directorial career.

Unlike later generations who encountered various difficulties when filming "Sunny Days" due to lack of funds and experience, this time Jiang Wen filmed "Sunny Days" and it can be said that he had fun and used his unconstrained style. Imagination and artistic touch.

Except for Lin Weimin occasionally restraining him due to production funding issues, everything on the crew ran according to his wishes.

Now that the filming of the movie is finally completed and about to enter post-production, Jiang Wen finally reacted.

Thanks to Teacher Lin who suppressed him before, otherwise the crew's funds would have been spent long ago, and they wouldn't even be able to get the money for post-production.

Michael Phillips originally obtained an investment of US$2 million from Columbia Pictures, which was fully double the investment in the original "It's Always Sunny".

This means that old Americans have too much money and don’t care about a small investment of two million dollars. Michael Phillips, the producer, has full control. Otherwise, the financial review of Columbia Pictures alone would be enough for Jiang Wen to drink. It's the pot.

Zhang Yimou learned that the filming of "Sunny Days" was about to be completed and asked: "Jiang Wen plans to submit this film to the film festival?"

"Of course."

"Which film festival have you decided on?"

"No. This film is from Colombia, and we have to seek their opinions. Besides, Jiang Wen has been busy making a movie, and he doesn't know when the post-production will be completed."

Zhang Yimou said: "I went to see his rough cut of the film in July. It was very interesting and has the potential to win awards."

"It's not easy to say. Winning or not winning a prize sometimes depends on your fate."