I’m a Director, I’m Not Bad

Chapter 164 162 Let’s go before they are ready

Chapter 164 162. Let’s go before they are ready

Xu Xin's heart could no longer be described as surprised.

Looking straight at Zhang Yimou...

The eyes are getting weirder.

I couldn't help but say:

"What...what do you mean?"

"literal meaning."

Holding the pen in his hand, the director from the Western Film Studio shrugged.

In high spirits.

Perhaps, for him, movies are the best medicine to relax his mind at this moment.

He didn't hide anything and spoke straightforwardly:

"Although I don't want to talk to you so much now...because at your age, knowing so much now may not necessarily be a good thing for you."

"If you didn't tell me, it would make me feel even more uncomfortable."

"..."

Hearing Xu Xin's words, Zhang Yimou nodded slightly:

"Well... the film and television industry also has its own challenges, you know?"

"Major movie studios?"

"It used to be, but now, it's basically just a few circles. Beijing circle, Hong Kong circle, Shanghai circle, and our place."

He pointed to the table in front of him:

"Northwest Circle."

"Well……"

Xu Xin was stunned for a moment, then suddenly became interested:

"Why does it sound like a gang? Who is the most powerful? It should be us?"

"Bullshit gang."

Zhang Yimou was speechless.

How come the thing you said to me in one sentence is the same as being defined as a gang of gangsters...

"But you are right about one thing...at least, in terms of honor, we are the most powerful."

honor……

After hearing this, Xu Xin thought for a while and said:

"Why does it sound like it's supported by several film studios? Yanjing Film Studio, Magic City Film Studio, Xiying Film... That's not right, what about Changchun? I can understand the Hong Kong circle, Hong Kong and Taiwan filmmakers. Changchun Film Factory Woolen cloth?"

"He was beaten to death."

The middle-aged man told a cruel reality calmly.

"From the first movie of the New China to excellent works such as "Five Golden Flowers" and "Shangganling"... it is the same as those other heavy industries of the year. Step by step, with the changes of the times, it will inevitably decline. Nowadays, most of the film resources in the Northeast are actually concentrated in Benshan, and he is actively promoting and interpreting the story of white mountains and black soil. The few TV series in the past few years are the epitome of the culture of an era. People of your generation may not feel it, but in our At that time... who didn't yearn for the Northeast?"

"Well……"

Indeed, Director Zhang is right.

On this point, Xu Xin really can't empathize...

He has never experienced the prosperity of the Northeast and is not a native of the Northeast, so he cannot empathize with it in this regard.

After thinking for a while, he said:

"So since this thing has its own personal circle, there must be a level, right? How...is it divided? Or...are there any conditions for joining?"

"We can't talk about the conditions for joining, but when it comes to division, it's actually just like what we just said. How the earliest directors could tell who they belonged to depended on which film studio they belonged to. For example, Chen Kaige, he was clearly a member of Yan He is from Beijing, but he has a very obvious label from the northwest circle. Because he and I were both directors at the Western Film Studio at the time, so to speak, that was the way it was at that time. But now after the reorganization of various film studios, directors create There is a lot of freedom on the Internet, so this label is gradually replaced by a method... similar to a friend circle."

"For example?"

"For example...well, Liang Binning, you know, right?"

"That's for sure, Princess Princess, golden lock."

"She is from Shandong, but look at the people she is friends with? Qiong Yao is not mentioned, she is an artist signed by Wang Jinghua. Does Wang Jinghua know?"

"have no idea……"

"..."

Hearing Xu Xin's sincere confession, Zhang Yimou's mouth twitched, which was quite a bit of a joke.

So I stopped explaining these twists and turns that are still troublesome for "newbies" and said directly:

"In short, although several film studios no longer share the world, you can also understand that the film studios have declined, but the circles are still there. Do you understand? These circles do not mean to consciously absorb you, but It is said that you will be assimilated by them unconsciously.

How to assimilate? For example, take Yang Mi. After filming the movie "Golden Armor", first of all, what did she gain? Looking for girls, right? And at this time, for example, if she still wants to find a show, she can't talk about it elsewhere, just talk to a few friends around me. Regardless of the screenwriter or management, she has a greater chance than others for the same role. Do you understand this? "

"Yes, because of you."

"Yes. Yang Mi and my friends have made each other successful, but similarly, as her status rises, she used to ask others for roles. But what happens after she becomes famous? For example, another friend wants to find roles in a certain movie. Her. If someone else approached her, she might not accept the role. But it happened that this friend had been in contact with the two before. Whether it was reciprocation or something else... she still accepted the drama for the sake of the relationship. And then, friend The friend knew that the friend had this relationship and found Yang Mi. Or maybe Yang Mi valued a certain drama and happened to be a friend of the friend... It just happened back and forth, plus the spontaneous grouping behavior of some people in the circle. . Unconsciously, you will be labeled as the Northwest Circle. That’s the reason.”

Following his words, Xu Xin nodded after probably understanding what Director Zhang wanted to express:

"I understand. In other words, circles... are everywhere in our circle, right?"

"Yes, it's just different from before when the film studio took the lead. We are all in the same system and are colleagues. You help me and I help you. But now everyone has formed a relationship driven by their interests after mastering certain interests. A close combination.”

Zhang Yimou made a very vivid metaphor by crossing the five fingers of his hands.

"So... wherever there are people, there are rivers and lakes. Where there are rivers and lakes, there will be competition?"

"That's for sure. For another example, Yang Mi competes with others for a role alone. The actor recommended by others is from the Beijing circle. As a director, as long as he uses this actor, he can get the resources of the Beijing circle, such as the filming of the next movie. He is hooked up with a big actor, or has a bargaining chip to announce investment. And the other actor's acting skills also meet the standards... It doesn't even matter whether he meets the standards or not, he is just a lonely lone wolf... Who do you want to use? "

"But what if there are two circles facing each other?"

Xu Xin did not answer the question whose answer was already written on the paper and continued to ask.

"Then it involves the competition for resources. How can you use one without offending the other, or how can you survive in this gap, how can you get benefits from both sides, or choose a longer-term benefit. ...and the result of doing this is just like what I said before. Whoever helps you more will gradually leave a distinct mark on you. The debt of gratitude will be transformed into a kind of debt that you can enjoy. A rule that is obtained but restricted by it. Do you understand?"

"perhaps……"

Xu Xin nodded:

"I can't say that I understand everything, but at least I understand this circle... It can be regarded as the most basic rules of the game. So... you want me to go to Xiying?"

"Um."

Zhang Yimou nodded and asked:

"Don't blame me for helping you plan your life direction without permission, right?"

"No way."

Xu Xin quickly smiled and waved:

"With your help, I will take fewer detours than others. How can I not know good from evil?"

Zhang Yimou couldn't help but rolled his eyes.

This brat... is very good at flattering.

He rarely showed this expression, but it was quite interesting to watch.

"I asked you to go to Xiying Studio. In fact, on the one hand, I think... Xiying's current situation is not very good. Many people say that Xiying began to decline after the millennium... But in my opinion, it is not the case. It started in the mid-1990s...that is, after directors like us started to leave one after another, and for some reasons, the creative boom began to be subject to what more and more people call "restraints"."

He spelled the word "restraint" very clearly and seemed to disagree very much.

"And now, in my opinion, after the entire Xiying Film Studio was reorganized, the only people supporting it were actually those two or three people. And these two or three people were all the same people who came in sooner or later with us. Including In fact, many people hate the so-called constraints of directors who have emerged in recent years, but many people do not understand the truth, that is, the fundamental factor that determines a director's status, or something, is not... ...How many high-grossing movies have you made, or your personal style, or how unique you are... none of it. A very simple example... I ask you, do you think I am better, or Kai? Is the song great?"

"I'm sure of you."

"why?"

Zhang Yimou asked rhetorically.

Xu Xin replied without thinking:

"What great movies you have made. "Red Sorghum", "Raise the Red Lantern", "Ju Dou" and so on..."

"He also has "Farewell My Concubine". In terms of artistry, I think he is actually better than me."

"How bad is his "The Promise"..."

"I also have House of Flying Daggers."

"..."

Xu Xin was speechless.

Can we compare?

Zhang Yimou looked at his expression and suddenly became happy.

Smiling quite happily.

"So, the fundamental reasons that determine a director's status are very complicated. If you ask me to explain the specific reasons, I might not be able to explain them all in one night, but what I can tell you is that in addition to his works, what determines a director's status itself is There are many, many things... Just like I insisted before that you should not let the outside world announce that you are the designer of the torch... Do you know the reason?"

"Don't you want me not to be disturbed by too many external factors?"

"That's just one of them... not even the main one."

"Well……"

"You need to know, first of all, the true information about the torch, who is the designer, and where it comes from. Some people who should know will definitely know. Is this understood?"

"……Um."

"But he may not remember you for the first time. But at this time, you keep silent and work quietly, which is actually in line with some spirits. Low-key, pragmatic, and not caring about fame and fortune will first be labeled It’s on you, understand?”

"..."

Xu Xin frowned.

It's not that I'm confused, but I'm curious about what Director Zhang wants to say.

"And why are you talking after the Olympics? It's very simple. In the face of the great popularity of the Olympics, it doesn't matter who designed the torch, or even how the opening and closing ceremonies are. In the eyes of the leaders, hosting a successful Olympics is more important than hosting a successful Olympics. Everything is important. And the so-called perfection is our kind of linking up one by one... To put it bluntly, what you do is just your job. Praising you is appreciation. Not praising you is appreciation. Duty, do you understand this?"

"Uh-huh."

"But after the successful conclusion of the Olympics, you, a young man in his early 20s, actually shouldered such a big historical mission, withstood the pressure and brought this amazing thing to the world, but you were willing to be ordinary and just keep your spirit. It will be amplified by the media based on the premise of "Olympic success."

Speaking of this, he said as if he had a profound meaning:

"Don't think that leaders don't read the news."

"..."

"And after seeing you at this time, I will undoubtedly have a deeper impression of you. It is an inadvertent impression. This kind of impression is much better than asking for credit or various media promotions. For example, if there is any large-scale event in the future, or something related to film and television, and the leader cannot think of others for a while, but suddenly thinks of you because of this matter, how many people might have vested interests like yours? You can't get it or meet it in your life, do you understand?

The same reason why you go to Xiying Studio is actually the same reason. Don't resist being labeled. On the contrary, if something can be passed down for decades or even centuries, its merits must outweigh its faults. And it just so happens that Xiying Studio... at least for me, I think because today's young people are resistant to these things, it is precisely useful and what it has. But because it is not accepted by you, it is a huge creature that is quite powerful and has a sense of déjà vu. And the people who are staying in Xiying Studio now...for now, it is difficult for them to become successful. And I think you have this ability. "

"...ha~"

Xu Xin let out a chuckle with a bit of a sigh:

"What you said... I always feel like there is a lot of pressure on me. There is always a feeling... that there is no general Liao Hua in Sichuan as a pioneer."

"Why isn't Liao Hua a famous general?"

After Zhang Yimou asked the question, he shook his head directly:

"There's no need to be stressed. You can succeed or not, and you can develop your own network of contacts. But with Xiying Studio here, it can save you many years of detours. In other words, you What you lose is nothing more than some...the money that seems to be the least important to you.

A higher share, a higher agency distribution fee, and more cooperation with some of Xi Film Studio's requirements on the premise of meeting the standards in mind... these are the things. Its own atmosphere determines that the people it attracts will not be too money-minded like other circles.

So, for you, at least at this stage, it is benign and meets your needs. As for what happens next...it depends on you. But at this stage, it is indeed the best for you. You lose nothing by "losing". But what if you win...

Xiao Xu, we are also very old.

The world knows our style, and our style has long been set. The world accepts us, people accept us, and our style also limits our breakthroughs. Our ceiling is here, but you are still young, and young talents have unlimited possibilities.

And only when you are in a low position can everyone tolerate your willfulness, because your willfulness is nothing to them. And only seemingly willful self-breakthrough can take you to greater heights. Liu Yuxi's poem is actually quite right. Thousands of sails pass by the side of a sunken boat, and only thousands of trees can spring in front of the diseased trees. If you look at all the directors in our country..."

He finally put down the pen in his hand, started counting to Xu Xin with his fingers:

"The first generation of directors are pioneers. As for the second generation of directors, they are all students of the first generation of directors, and what they shoot actually focuses on realistic expression. What about the third generation? Due to the reasons of the times, the third generation In fact, there are some gaps... Let’s not discuss it for now. Starting from the fourth generation, people began to pursue a more natural style and open structure.

Everyone began to follow the path of their predecessors and think about what brought us to where we are today. They followed the path of their predecessors and laid a solid and complete foundation for us, the so-called fifth generation, so that we, the so-called fifth generation, can accept foreign philosophies and aesthetic trends, and have our own values to view the world.

Starting from the sixth generation, your previous generation, they pursued an independent spirit, pursued freedom, and boarded a train that made them rich and famous overnight. You will find... In fact, directors are continued from generation to generation. And it's not just a continuation, it's more like a kind of... The train car is so big, the fourth generation gets off the train, the fifth generation sits in first class, and the sixth generation fills all the seats.

What should you do if you are the seventh generation?

Go up, the sixth generation is not old yet, the times are changing too fast, they don’t have time to grow old, you are about to come up. There are conflicts and disputes, but the question is... what is your style? Who will carry the banner of the seventh generation? Who can be remembered by people, remembered by history, and become a person who is recognized in the true sense in the future when ten people may kill seven directors with one brick?

Or is it a collective failure? People will only remember movies and some popular stars, but they don’t know who you are at all? You can ignore these things now, but as a latecomer pursuing the path of art, if you don’t even have the heart to be a general, then your achievements are destined to not be very high. so……"

He waved his hand and spoke in a calm tone, but with a long lasting charm:

"When it's time to think about it, think about it. When it's time to be ambitious, take advantage of the fact that others are still pursuing power, sex, money, and desires that come with fame and wealth, and be a step ahead and make plans as early as possible. . And when the time comes, people who live in the same era as you will realize that the faster others die, the more precious you will become.

And by that time, everything will naturally fall into place... Of course, all of this cannot avoid one theme, that is, as a director, you must have your own clear and iconic style and works... But You're still young, you can take your time, right? But as long as you have a clear route and action plan. We old guys, me, Zhang Wu and others are very optimistic about you and think you have this potential. So, we really hope that you can go on the right path, understand? "

As he spoke, he made the final summary of tonight’s conversation:

"Let's go before they're ready."

"..."

Xu Xin was silent, speechless, thinking.

From just discussing the movie, it turned into a long conversation.

Although Xu Xin didn't know why the topic had reached this point, he could hear what Director Zhang was implying in his words.

Faced with this problem, he couldn't help but ask:

"Why do I listen to you? It's as if I'm afraid of having no successor..."

"I'm not afraid that there will be no successors, I just think this is an opportunity for you... I'm quite optimistic about the future film market. We old guys have paved the way for you latecomers, just follow the path... ...It’s not going astray, right?”

Zhang Yimou's words made Xu Xin laugh out loud:

"Haha~ That's for sure...but I can't say it with certainty. There is still one in Wanli."

"That's why your future is limitless, right? If everyone takes the right path, that is, competing against each other and moving forward together, then... this era is very lucky for movie fans or people who like movies. But if it's true You're right... Of course, I don't believe it. I believe that this circle will only get better and better, because the path of directors of this generation is laid out here. But if there really is a one in a thousand miles, don't you Can you also be the person who helps the building to collapse? Then the achievement may be even greater..."

"It makes it even more obvious that the sadness of the times is real..."

"..."

After hearing his words, Zhang Yimou felt helpless:

"I didn't realize it before, why are you still a pessimist?"

"I'm just going to tell you this, it'll be fun..."

Saying that, Xu Xin glanced at the time:

"It's almost 12 o'clock. It's time for you to rest, right? Are you going home? Shall I see you off?"

"Well……"

Zhang Yimou looked at the time, thought for a moment, and shook his head:

"Forget it, I won't go back. The top priority is to submit the plan again within a month... I'm thinking about it, you can go back."

"Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival... I won't go back. I'll see if I can fall asleep. If you can, go to bed quickly, otherwise you will definitely be sleepy at this point tomorrow... Are you hungry? I'll get you some food. ?”

"...Okay, what's for midnight snack today?"

"Mutton soup, cumin mutton, steamed buns."

"Hmm... the mutton sent by your father tastes good, just like the taste from my hometown... Okay, you go, we will study this scroll later..."

"Yeah. Can I exchange the tea leaves?"

"Okay, change it."

"Okay. Try this Pu'er that my dad made?"

"You can't brew Pu'er like this, you bastard, how come you don't even understand this... You'd better make that white tea, I'll bring that."

"Okay~"

After taking the treasure gourd, Xu Xin walked out directly.

First, I went to the water room to get a bottle of boiling water, and then I went to the canteen to get a dinner plate.

There were only two people left in the Olympic Building at night.

Zhang Yimou seemed to have a good appetite. He ate steamed buns with mutton as steamed buns with meat, one mouthful of meat and one mouthful of soup. He felt uncomfortable.

Xu Xin remained silent and placed the one-to-one model made by the prop team in front of the two of them. The two began to chat about what kind of links should be added since this rolling scroll existed throughout the ages.

So busy, busy, busy, it's 2 o'clock in the morning.

That’s the end of today’s work.

After Zhang Yimou left, Xu Xin helped him clean the treasure gourd, and then closed the door of the small conference room.

He returned to his rest room. Since he couldn't take a shower here, he simply drove out and found a bath center. After taking a shower, he was still not satisfied and ordered another massage in the middle of the night.

When I saw the technician wearing high heels, a short skirt, and carrying a box in his hand, I was speechless.

In the end, I didn’t even call 298 or 398, I just had people cup the cup.

Then he waved to the female technician who asked if she wanted the so-called "Emperor Package".

After quietly enjoying the aftertaste of leisure for fifteen minutes, he walked out. After returning to the Olympic Building, I threw myself on the bed... I tossed and turned over for no apparent reason until I finally fell asleep.

Drowsily, the alarm clock rang.

He didn't know how long he had slept. He washed his face and brushed his teeth again. When he went downstairs to prepare dinner with a somewhat confused mind, he saw Zhang Yimou sitting at the dining table again.

Still looking like he was frowning and thinking.

I'm probably thinking about something again.

Xu Xin looked in admiration.

Although I know that people get less sleep as they get older, but this... it was only after seven o'clock.

So much energy.

With unparalleled emotion, he sat opposite Zhang Yimou with a tray:

"Director Zhang, morning."

Then comes another busy day.

And this whole day's busyness seems to have become a microcosm.

This is true even during the Lantern Festival.

Everyone was not in the mood to celebrate the Lantern Festival, and they were still "quarreling" in the conference room late at night.

After the Lantern Festival, it also represents the official end of the Spring Festival and the New Year.

Jay Chou is here again.

But Xu Xin only met him rarely.

After confirming that the editing and review work he took over was done well, Xu Xin immersed himself in the work.

From the beginning of March, the editing of "Secrets That Cannot Be Told" ended on March 20.

It is the end in the true sense, from dubbing to soundtrack, everything is over.

Xu Xin watched the film with Jay Chou on Xantao Digital.

A total of 115 minutes.

After reading it, he was not as excited as he imagined, and even felt a little bit impatient...

If he could, he wouldn't come here today.

Because he had just been "insisting on using LED large screens" this morning, he had a verbal battle with other people who did not agree with the use of LED large screens, and he was feeling dizzy at the moment.

Even though this movie was about his own son, he didn't suppress the fire in his heart.

But he still persisted in watching it, but by the time the film ended, when Ye Xianglun began to understand the difference between "Lu Xiaoyu", he had already frowned, pinched his chin and his eyes were empty.

Jay Chou, who was so frightened that he traveled between Tokyo and Yanjing in the past month, felt his heart pounding.

I was afraid that he would ask me to go back and take additional shots...

The last time he reshot the scene of Chaoyinhai Windmill, his calves are still trembling...

But in fact, Xu Xin had already begun to think about how to deal with those "conservatives" in the afternoon.

After the movie was played, Jay Chou tentatively asked:

"How's it going? Are you still... okay?"

"OK."

Xu Xin nodded sincerely.

He was really happy with what he shot.

Whether it was the rhythm or what he was doing... Unfortunately, if Director Zhang hadn't been too busy recently, he would definitely have wanted to take the film back and show it to Director Zhang.

But because the time for submitting the manuscript again for this creative plan was approaching, the team members were really in a frenzy and the two sides were quarreling. He really didn't have the energy to let Director Zhang bother.

So he said directly:

"Have you found the person who is going to France?"

"Well, we've found it. We can leave tomorrow. I'll go back to Wanwan with the re-engraved film in a while. If it's to be submitted for review... I'll hand it over to the person from Xi Film Studio you introduced to me?"

"Well, just leave it all to them... Okay, I have to quarrel with someone in the afternoon, so let's talk about it first. You wait until I finish this month, and I will take good care of you, okay?"

"Damn it! What nonsense are you talking about anymore! Get out of here!"

Looking at Jay Chou with a disgusted look on his face, Xu Xin laughed and stood up directly:

"Then I won't worry about this for now, it's more important over there, okay?"

"Um."

Jay Chou nodded:

"You don't have to worry about anything, just leave it to me."

"OK."

Xu Xin nodded:

"I'm leaving."

"come on!"

"MUA~"

"Go away..."