Literary Master 1978

The next day after returning to Yanjing, Lin Chaoyang and Tao Yushu took their children to visit her mother's home.

As soon as they met, the family members inevitably talked about the Cannes Film Festival. Tao Yucheng was a teacher at the Central Academy of Drama, so he naturally knew the value of the award won by "The Truman Show", and was particularly excited.

He kept talking to Lin Chaoyang, and when he heard Lin Chaoyang say that "The Truman Show" would be introduced to China in a while, he became even happier.

"That's great! A film that won such a big award should have been released for the people to see. You are winning glory for the country!"

According to Tao Yucheng, the news that "The Truman Show" won the Cannes Film Festival was reported by many authoritative media, not to mention those film-related magazines.

In just half a month, it can be said that it has spread all over the country, and everyone who pays attention to the news knows about it.

As the family was talking, someone came to the door and introduced himself as a school newspaper.

They said that a student saw Lin Chaoyang on the road just now, and they ran over immediately.

After all, Lin Chaoyang is a member of Yanda, and he won an international award, so the school newspaper naturally has to promote him well. A few days ago, the school newspaper had already published the news that "The Truman Show" won the award in Cannes.

Now that Lin Chaoyang has returned to Yanda, the interview material has come, right?

After accepting the interview with the school newspaper, Lin Chaoyang and his family stayed at Tao's house for half a day.

Two days later, Hu Qiming informed Lin Chaoyang that Zhang Xinyan of Yindu happened to be in Yanjing, and asked him to meet with Tao Yushu at Yanying Studio to talk about co-production.

Zhang Xinyan is an old director of Yindu, and his most famous work is "Shaolin Temple" released in 1982, which has been popular at home and abroad.

In addition to the identity of director, Zhang Xinyan is also the production manager of Yindu.

On the morning of the 17th, Lin Chaoyang and his wife came to Yanying Studio. As soon as they walked to the door of the main building, they met the old screenwriter Su Shuyang.

"Hey, Chaoyang!" Su Shuyang was surprised to see Lin Chaoyang, "Why are you here?"

"Lao Su! I came to talk to Lao Hu about the script."

Su Shuyang's eyes lit up when he heard this, "Are you going to cooperate with our factory again?"

"I have this plan, but I haven't discussed it yet."

"I understand, I understand!"

The two chatted for a while, and Lin Chaoyang went up to the second floor with Tao Yushu.

The couple had made an appointment with Hu Qiming in advance. After a while of greeting, Zhang Xinyan first complimented Lin Chaoyang and then took the initiative to start the topic.

"I talked to Director Hu before, and it must be a good thing for us Yindu to cooperate with Lin and Yanying Studio. We have no objection to this film being led by you.

Comrade Chaoyang really fought for our Z-style movies. I am ashamed to say..."

Speaking of this, Zhang Xinyan looked ashamed.

The predecessor of Yindu was the three Z-style film companies, Great Wall, Phoenix, and Xinlian. It can be said that since its birth in the 1950s, the status of these Z-style filmmakers in Hong Kong has been very embarrassing.

A minority group that completely belongs to the Hong Kong film industry, they are ridiculed as "leftists".

When many filmmakers are paid generously, their remuneration is always the lowest in the Hong Kong film industry.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the situation of Z-style filmmakers in Hong Kong became worse and worse, and many people could not bear the pressure and left.

But there are still many predecessors who persisted, never gave up their enthusiasm and ideals, and always held on.

Now the hard days are over, but Yindu still has no way to face the dominance of the Freedom Association in the Hong Kong film industry.

"This situation cannot be changed by personal ability. In the final analysis, it is determined by interests." Lin Chaoyang said.

Zhang Xinyan nodded in agreement, "Yes. That's why I said that Comrade Chaoyang has made us proud. Now how many bosses of Hong Kong film companies are begging to come to you to give you money!"

After talking about the general environment of Z-style movies in the Hong Kong film industry for a while, the few people talked about the film project and basically determined the respective roles of the three parties.

Lin's Films contributed 80% of the funds and took the leading position, while Yindu Organization contributed 20% of the funds and was responsible for the distribution of the film in Hong Kong, and Yan Film Studio assisted in the filming.

Taking the initiative in investment, Lin Chaoyang and his wife naturally had the most say.

"I communicated with Kaige. The Parade has been filmed, but he just agreed to film Acheng's The King of Children with Xiying Studio a few days ago. He wanted to finish filming The King of Children before..."

Tao Yushu said: "Wait for him to finish The King of Children? Wouldn't that be at least half a year?"

Hu Qiming's expression was a little gloomy. Chen Kaige was a child of Yan Film Studio and is now a leader of the young generation of directors.

Originally, Hu Qiming wanted to use him as the director of this co-production, but the timing was so unfortunate.

"Since Kaige has a project, forget it. Let's change the director." Lin Chaoyang said.

"Who should we use?" Hu Qiming looked at Lin Chaoyang expectantly.

He really hoped that the director could be someone from their Yan Film Studio, but unfortunately he had no say in this matter.

"Is the photographer Kai Ge still with him for this film?" Lin Chaoyang asked.

"Photographer?" Hu Qiming's mind turned, and it took him a while to remember who Lin Chaoyang was talking about, "You mean that Zhang..."

"Zhang Yimou."

Hu Qiming thought and said, "The photographer for Kai Ge's film seems to be Gu Changwei."

Lin Chaoyang made the decision, "Then contact Zhang Yimou and see if he is willing to be the director."

"Chaoyang, Zhang Yimou is the photographer." Hu Qiming reminded.

"What's wrong with the photographer? I remember Zhang Yimou collaborated with Kege, and he won no fewer photography awards than Kege, right?"

Hu Qiming nodded hesitantly. This seemed to be the case.

"Lao Hu, do you think it's more likely that a good director will become a good photographer, or that a good photographer will be more likely to become a good director?"

Hu Qiming has been making movies for decades, so he naturally understands what Lin Chaoyang means.

Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige are classmates of Yan Ying. Since his career as a photographer, he has won awards for several films such as "One and Eight", "Yellow Earth" and "Military Parade", which fully demonstrates that his talent in filmmaking is incomparable. Chen Kaige is low.

"I'll contact him later," Hu Qiming said.

Tao Yu wrote: "Don't look back, contact me now."

She understood the style of state-owned units like Yanying Factory, and their efficiency was not low. By the time he finished contacting them, a week or two might have passed.

"All right."

Hu Qiming picked up the phone and called Guangxi Film Studio first. Zhang Yimou was from Guangxi Film Studio.

"It's not in the factory. It's said that it was loaned out by Wu Tianming from Xi'an Film Studio to make a movie."

Hu Qiming called Xi'an Film Studio again, and received feedback that Wu Tianming had taken someone to film in rural Shanxi, and then gave Hu Qiming a local contact information.

Hu Qiming continued to call Shanxi, but this time the efficiency was slower. He had to wait for Wu Tianming to call back, which was said to take two hours at the fastest.

"Let's go to the cafeteria and have some food first."

Hu Qiming said that he was going to invite everyone to eat. As soon as a few people went out, they were blocked by people from the "Film Creation" editorial department on the third floor.

They heard that Lin Chaoyang was here and wanted to interview Lin Chaoyang to talk about the award-winning movie "The Truman Show."

Hu Qiming scolded: "I am Chaoyang and my guest. I haven't eaten yet. Why are you interviewing me? I'm waiting for you to finish eating."

These words were obviously meant to train his subordinates, but in reality, Lin Chaoyang had already been arranged.

"Lao Hu, you leaders are so thoughtful!" Lin Chaoyang joked.

Hu Qiming smiled guiltily, "It's rare that you, the best screenwriter at the Cannes Film Festival, come to guide us. Our Yan Film Studio is so prosperous! It's normal for comrades to be a little excited!"

A few people chatted and laughed and went to the cafeteria to eat. After eating, they returned to the main building and saw Chen Huaikai blocking the door of the building.

"Oh, Chaoyang, you said you didn't even say a word to me when you came to the factory."

Chen Huaikai's attitude was attentive. Hu Qiming guessed his thoughts and said to Lin Chaoyang: "Chaoyang, you guys talk first, I will go back upstairs to rest for a while."

"good."

Lin Chaoyang responded. After Hu Qiming and Zhang Xinyan went upstairs, Chen Huaikai immediately came up and said, "Chaoyang, Lao Hu told me about the co-production. This kid Kaige is ignorant..."

Lin Chaoyang said with a smile: "No matter how sensible he is, he promised Xiying Studio and he can't break his promise."

Seeing his normal expression, Chen Huaikai asked: "What about the co-production..."

"We can't afford to find another director!"

Chen Huaikai nodded and said: "I understand, I understand. But do you think it would be okay if we try another way?"

Lin Chaoyang glanced at Chen Huaikai. Based on his understanding of this old fox, he must be trying to get benefits for his son.

"In what way?"

"How about you invest some money in "Kid King" and make it a co-production?"

Lin Chaoyang had a teasing look on his face, "Old Chen, for your son's sake, are you really not merciless at all in poaching corners of your factory?"

"Misunderstanding, misunderstanding, right?" Chen Huaikai waved his hands repeatedly, with an expression on his face that Lin Chaoyang had underestimated him.

"I mean you throw in more."

This time Lin Chaoyang completely understood what he meant, "Do you think of me as a rich man?"

Chen Huaikai looked shrewd, "I don't know about others, don't I know about you? How can a rich man be as rich as you! It doesn't matter if he invested in two movies! After all, it was also a movie made by your eldest nephew."

"When we engage in co-productions, we have the leading rights in our own hands. The West Film Studio has invested in Kego's film, so it's not easy for us to get along."

Listening to Lin Chaoyang's tone, Chen Huaikai felt that this matter was interesting, and quickly said: "Everything can be discussed."

"Let me ask you one thing, who owns the copyright?"

"this……"

Chen Huaikai hesitated. He was an old filmmaker and understood that his son had to cooperate with West Film Studio first. In this case, the copyright must belong to West Film Studio.

"If you can invest more, I'll go talk to Xiying Studio."

For the sake of his son, Chen Huaikai also risked his life.

When he said this, Lin Chaoyang was also thinking secretly.

"King of Children" is adapted from Cheng's short story of the same name. "The King of Chess" and "The King of Trees" are also among the "Eight Kings" novels planned by Cheng.

But it is a pity that he did not carry out this writing plan and stopped abruptly after writing three novels. These three novels can be regarded as Acheng's pinnacle works, and they caused a great response after being published.

Later Chen Kaige's "The King of Children" was not well received in China because of its dull rhythm, but it was still recommended by the Film Bureau to the West Berlin Film Festival.

Moritz de Harden, the then artistic director of the West Berlin Film Festival, praised the film after watching the samples of "The Kid King".

Thanks to the attention of Moritz de Harden, a powerful figure at the West Berlin Film Festival, it is a certainty that "The King of Children" will participate in the film festival, and it is not impossible to even win the award.

As a result, Director Chen suddenly changed his mind and decided to send "The King of Children" to Cannes, France, to compete for the Palme d'Or.

The final outcome was that the French, who have always been romantic, could not appreciate "The King of Children" at all, and the audience left the film festival before it was even shown.

Not only that, the reporters who attended the film festival at the end also sarcastically awarded "The King of Children" a "Golden Alarm Clock" award, mocking the dullness of the film.

What is even more heartbreaking is that after Chen Kaige ruined the West Berlin Film Festival, Zhang Yimou took "Red Sorghum" to the West Berlin Film Festival, successfully captured the Golden Bear, and returned home with great honor.

The follower behind him won his coveted international award at the film festival he had abandoned. At that moment, no one knew what kind of collapse Director Chen was facing.

To be honest, the movie "Kid King" is actually very good.

Chen Kaige during this period was indeed very aura, the shots and compositions were incredibly beautiful, and the various metaphors and hints were set just right.

The squad leader's rigidity, the old monk's repetition, the twisted tree trunks, and the burning mountain fire are all full of meaning.

If I have to point out a problem, it is that it is too art-house style, and it feels like it is following the path of Godard and never looking back.

The storyline is almost overwhelmed by the lenses and images, making the viewing experience extremely poor for ordinary viewers.

This also led to the film not only failing to receive any success in Cannes, but even when it returned to China, the screening results were not ideal.

However, "The King of Children" was also shortlisted for the main competition of the Cannes Film Festival. After the film festival ended that year, the film sold the rights to Italy, France, the United States and other countries.

Italy US$150,000, France 500,000 francs, the United States US$200,000...

A movie with an investment of hundreds of thousands of yuan has received millions of dollars in copyright fees. No matter how you look at it, it is a profitable business.

"Okay, if you can convince the West Film Studio, we will vote for Kege's film." Lin Chaoyang agreed.

Chen Huaikai's face suddenly filled with joy, "Okay."

He knew that Lin Chaoyang and others were waiting for Wu Tianming's call, so he followed them back to the factory director's office on the second floor.

After waiting for a while, Wu Tianming's call came back.

It turns out that the movie he was filming was "Old Well". At the end of last year, he was choosing the leading actor for the movie. After going back and forth, a bunch of professional actors were not selected. Instead, the photographer Zhang Yimou was selected.

Zhang Yimou's face is similar to that of 28 or 82, with a look of bitterness and hatred. He doesn't even need makeup to play the role of a peasant.

After the beginning of the new year, Wu Tianming took the "Old Well" crew and Zhang Yimou to the rural village of Zuoquan, Shanxi, and experienced life there for nearly two months before the filming of the movie officially started.

Wu Tianming chatted with Hu Qiming for a while, and then handed the phone to Zhang Yimou. When Hu Qiming said that Yan Film Studio wanted to make a movie with him, Zhang Yimou was dumbfounded.

Last year someone asked him to act in a movie, and this year someone asked him to be a director. What on earth is going on in this world?

I'm a photographer!

But Zhang Yimou is not a rigid person, he will definitely catch the pie in the sky.

What’s wrong with a photographer switching careers to become a director? If you’re good at shooting, you’ll direct, if you’re good at acting, you’ll direct, if you’re good at editing, you’ll direct…

The position of director is like a bus, anyone can get on it, why can't he?

When he heard that this movie was a co-production between Yan Film Studio and Xiangjiang Film Company, he became even more excited.

"No problem, I can do it!" Zhang Yimou nodded.

Wu Tianming smiled. The young man was rough and didn't ask questions clearly, so he dared to agree to anything, but he soon stopped laughing.

"Director Wu, I want to talk to you."

Zhang Yimou returned the microphone to Wu Tianming.

"Hey, Lao Hu, oh, Lao Chen! What's going on?"

Wu Tianming held the phone and listened for a long time, his brows frowning more and more.

After a while, he said: "Old Chen, what happened to you is too sudden. Let's see, the filming of "Old Well" will be completed in ten or eight days. When I get back, I will discuss it with a few comrades in the factory. , I’ll give you an answer then.”

"Okay, let's do this first."

After hanging up the phone, Wu Tianming's originally serious face showed joy. Zhang Yimou couldn't help but ask: "Director Wu, what's wrong? Is there anything wrong with me?"

"It has nothing to do with you." Seeing the curiosity on his face, Wu Tianming said, "It's Kege's movie. Yan Film Studio said that a film producer from Hong Kong also wants to co-produce it with us."

Zhang Yimou was a little surprised to be cast in two movies in a row?

This business is very powerful!

"This is a good thing!"

Wu Tianming laughed, "Of course it's a good thing."

Zhang Yimou wanted to ask if it was a good thing, why were you so embarrassed just now, but then he suddenly realized something.

Those who can be leaders are indeed old foxes.

In addition to being a director, Wu Tianming is also the director of Xiying Film Studio.

Wu Tianming looked at his expression and knew that he couldn't hide it from him. In recent years, domestic film studios have cooperated with Hong Kong, and they have their own set of fixed procedures.

It can basically be summarized as follows: Hong Kong capital, Yindu production, mainland shooting, and two-place team.

The biggest advantage of co-productions is that mainland studios are usually responsible for assisting in filming and do not contribute funds, so there is no risk of losing money.

On the contrary, if the film receives a good response and wins awards, it is also considered an achievement for the studio.

Anyway, overseas income and domestic distribution and screening income have nothing to do with them. It is equivalent to giving the studio staff an opportunity to make extra money.

"Now they are begging us. They cannot agree too readily, otherwise it will appear that we are not sincere." Wu Tianming said.

Zhang Yimou nodded in an educated manner. This way of expressing "sincerity" is really rare!

Wu Tianming changed the topic to him again and said jokingly: "You are quite brave. If someone asks you to be a director, how dare you agree?"

"I originally had an idea, but our factory didn't agree with it. What a great opportunity this is. If it fails, I'll probably go back to being a photographer."

"Not bad, you have a good attitude."

The main building of Yanying Factory, the factory director's office on the second floor.

Chen Huaikai put down the phone and said to Lin Chaoyang: "I will go to Xi'an to talk to them later. The problem should not be big."

Lin Chaoyang nodded slightly. He had almost finished talking about today's matters and planned to say goodbye to Tao Yushu.

Then I remembered that the editorial department of "Film Creation" was eagerly waiting to interview him. By the time the interview was finished, it was already past five o'clock in the evening.

Chen Huaikai enthusiastically took Lin Chaoyang and his wife to his home for a meal before sending them out to leave.

In the following time, Lin Chaoyang was kept at home by Tao Yushu, asking him to concentrate on writing novels and occasionally go out to look for old books and antiques.

By mid-July, I had written tens of thousands of words in the new novel.

This morning, two people walked into Xiaoliubukou Alley. One was tall and strong, the other was dark and thin.

The tall one is majestic and elegant, while the thin one has a loyal face and reserved eyes.

When passing by the West Courtyard, Gao introduced: "This is the West Courtyard of their home. I heard that it has been loaned out now and is specially used to accommodate writer friends who come to Beijing from other places. There are also many local writers who gather here. Later, you are short of books. Just dig in here and you won’t have to worry at all.”

The thin man glanced at the small sign "Author's Home" at the entrance of the courtyard with envy in his eyes.

It was a place where writers gathered together, and he suddenly felt that an elegant literary atmosphere was rushing towards him through the door.

After walking for almost twenty meters, the taller one said "We're here" again, raised his hand to knock on the door, and the thinner one took a deep breath nervously.

"Uncle Lin! Aunt Lin!"

After entering the hospital, Chen Kaige greeted Lin Chaoyang and his wife as soon as they met, and then directly burned Zhang Yimou's CPU beside him.

He and Chen Kaige were classmates. Chen Kaige called Lin Chaoyang and his wife "uncle and aunt", so what should he do?

Lin Chaoyang saw Zhang Yimou's dilemma and said with a kind smile: "It's okay, you can all talk about it."

Zhang Yimou called "Teacher Chaoyang" obediently, and Chen Kaige's face didn't look good.

What do you mean if I tell you not to? Take advantage of me, right?

"Come, sit down and talk, sit down and talk."

Lin Chaoyang moved several people to the sofa, prepared tea for them, and then sat next to Tao Yushu.

"How are the preparations for Kege's movie going?" Tao Yushu asked with a gentle smile.

"The script has been revised twice, and the ideas are basically finalized. It will be finalized soon."

Chen Kaige has been preparing for the film "King of Children" for more than two months. Tao Yushu asked some more details about the preparation of the film, and Chen Kaige answered them one by one.

He comes from a film family and studied film. Since graduation, he has experienced several films and his style has become more and more mature.

As long as Xin Ma You Rein's performance can be suppressed, the level is still very high.

Lin Chaoyang specifically reminded Tao Yushu of this issue. After chatting with Chen Kaige for a while, she turned her attention to Zhang Yimou.

Compared with Chen Kaige's natural appearance, he was much more nervous.

There are very few college students graduating these days who are not literary young people, and Zhang Yimou is no exception.

He didn't know how many of Lin Chaoyang's works he had read, and this was the first time he saw the author himself.

Not only that, but what impressed him even more was the adaptation of Lin Chaoyang's works. The scripts he wrote were better than those written by most professional screenwriters.

"The Truman Show" has just won the Jury Prize, Best Screenplay Award and Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival. For academics like them, this is undoubtedly a coveted award.

Nowadays, the teaching methods of film majors in China are still mainly based on the teaching methods of Europe, especially the Soviet Union, and they are completely dismissive of the Hollywood stuff.

So one can imagine the impact of winning "The Truman Show" on academics like Zhang Yimou and their admiration for Lin Chaoyang himself.

"This is Yimou's first time as a director. Do you have any ideas?" After chatting for a while, Tao Yushu asked Zhang Yimou.

"I quite like some of Teacher Chaoyang's works." Zhang Yimou replied, observing the expressions of Lin Chaoyang and his wife, and said, "But this is my first time as a director, so I still lack experience."

They had not talked about movies before on the phone. Tao Yushu understood that Zhang Yimou's words were actually a test.

She smiled and asked: "Which Chaoyang novel do you like?"

Zhang Yimou hesitated and said: "Qiu Ju's Lawsuit" and "Little Shoes" are both very good."

"Hmm!" Tao Yushu pondered, "They are all early works."

Zhang Yimou said: "Teacher Chaoyang's early works were more realistic and were relatively difficult to adapt."

Tao Yushu nodded lightly and said, "Chaoyang and I originally agreed on a novel for you. If you want to change these two novels, it's not impossible."

Zhang Yimou has a high emotional intelligence and knows that this is a polite way of saying it. He is an investor, so he has the final say on what to shoot.

He is a photographer by training, so it is no longer easy for someone to ask him to be a director. He has no right to be picky.

"With you two checking it, this novel is definitely suitable for adaptation. Which author is it?"

"Mo Yan, do you know?"

Zhang Yimou's eyes flashed when he heard the name, "The one who wrote "Red Sorghum"."

Tao Yushu's smile became softer after hearing this. He was able to read Mo Yan and "Red Sorghum" at once. It seemed that he must have read the novel.

She said: "Mo Yan's novel has aroused a lot of response after it was published this year. The story is also good, and the imagery in it is very good. If it is put on the camera, it will be very interesting."

"Red Sorghum" was published in "People's Literature" in March this year. It caused considerable repercussions in the domestic literary circle. According to incomplete statistics, there have been nearly 30 reviews in the four months since the novel was published. Newspaper.

At this time, Chen Kaige said: "Aunt Lin used to be the editor of "People's Literature". You were the one who dug up Mo Yan, right?"

The first half of his sentence was to Zhang Yimou, and the second half to Tao Yushu.

Zhang Yimou's expression was filled with surprise. He didn't expect that Tao Yushu and "Red Sorghum" had such a connection. Tao Yushu modestly waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need to pay attention to these details.

Zhang Yimou himself likes the novel "Red Sorghum", and now that the sponsor is so optimistic about it, he is naturally willing to take on this job.

After chatting with Tao Yushu for a while, I happily accepted the job.