Literary Master 1978

Lin Chaoyang finally went with Xie Jin. Blackmailing was of course a joke. He had been an old friend for so many years, so he was still willing to help as much as he could.

The content of "Furong Town" seems a bit excessive to some people, but that is just their wishful thinking.

Since the 1980s, there have been many films produced in China that reflect the period of humanitarian torrent. Almost every film was shot and released without facing doubts and embarrassment. But in the end, weren't all of them released?

There's no reason why it shouldn't work in "Furong Town".

What's more, the director of this drama is still Xie Jin, and the screenwriter is Lin Chaoyang.

"Ah, Comrade Chaoyang also participated in this film? Why is there no signature?"

In the office, Shi Fangyu looked shocked when he heard from Xie Jin that Lin Chaoyang actually participated in the screenwriting work of "Furong Town".

Lin Chaoyang said with a smile: "It's a long story. At that time, Lao Xie asked Mr. Zhong's son Acheng to write a script. Acheng happened to be busy at the time, so I helped to revise the script without much effort. There’s no signature.”

After he explained, he said to Shi Fangyu: "Comrade Fang Yu, the bureau has concerns about the film "Furong Town" and believes that this film may cause some controversy, which everyone can understand.

This is how I look at the issue. Wasn’t there controversy over the country’s site selection for Baosteel, the establishment of a special zone in Shenzhen, and the construction of the Three Gorges power station in the Yangtze River?

Could it be that just because of the controversy, we are choking and giving up eating?

The humanities and arts are less rigorous than the sciences, so this kind of controversy is even more inevitable.

It’s not scary to have controversy, we can discuss it. Lao Xie has been deleting and editing scenes during this period. It can be said that he is very cooperative with the work of our film bureau.

To be fair, I think the ideological connotation and artistic appeal of "Furong Town" are very high.

Back then, the novels won the Mao Dun Literary Award. There is no reason why they would become negative examples in movies. Do you think this is true? "

After Lin Chaoyang and Xie Jin entered the door, Xie Jin chatted with Shi Fangyu for a few words, and Shi Fangyu's expression was noncommittal.

Seeing this, Xie Jin told Lin Chaoyang about the relationship between "Furong Town" and winked at Lin Chaoyang. Lin Chaoyang had no choice but to stand up and say a few words about "Furong Town".

When he spoke, Shi Fangyu remained silent.

"The Kid" just won an award at the West Berlin Film Festival. Because of this international award, everyone in the film bureau felt elated.

In the past six or seven years, both the film bureau and film studios in various places have put great efforts into making Chinese films international.

In general, movies belong to the management of publicity channels. The purpose of this is of course to promote cultural propaganda and enhance China’s external soft power.

Unfortunately, over the years, little has been achieved.

If a movie wants to gain international influence, there are only two ways to go. Either there is a connection with the audience, or there is a connection with winning an award.

Needless to say, the popularity of the film among the audiences is that most of China’s films can only be exported to the fraternal socialist countries, and only high-quality films are eligible, let alone exported to other countries.

As for taking the road of winning awards, everyone has been trying it in recent years.

It won some small prizes, but its influence was worrisome and it did not cause any splash internationally at all.

Until this year, "Kids" won the Jury Prize at the West Berlin Film Festival and was reported by major European, American and international mainstream media.

Only then did the shadow of Chinese films finally appear on the international film scene, which was a small but full fruit of so many years of hard work for Chinese films.

Shi Fangyu knew very well that the success of "The King of Children" had a great relationship with Lin Chaoyang, so naturally he couldn't give it any face.

Moreover, Shi Fangyu still clearly remembered that at the review meeting for "Garland Under the Mountain", Li Ying, the general secretary, personally said that Lin Chaoyang was related to a certain senior military general.

Regardless of whether it was public or private, Shi Fangyu seemed to have to give this face.

Since you have to give it, it’s better to be more generous.

After thinking for a moment, Shi Fangyu laughed heartily.

"What Comrade Chaoyang said makes sense. We really can't stop eating because of choking. As for "Furong Town", there are some minor problems, but overall there are no problems.

Since Director Xie has deleted some scenes, I don’t think it’s better than this. I will organize another review meeting in the next two days to take a look.

If there are no problems, the screening can be arranged. "

Lin Chaoyang was a little surprised to see Shi Fangyu relaxed so happily.

Xie Jin was overjoyed, and even after leaving Shi Fangyu's office, he still couldn't believe it.

"The person surnamed Shi actually agreed to be released so readily? How strange and weird!"

Lin Chaoyang joked: "Just now I said 'Director Fang Yu', now I say 'Shi'. Lao Xie, you change your face faster than Sichuan Opera!"

Xie Jin said disapprovingly: "If he was talking about my face, I would definitely be grateful, but he didn't listen at all to what I said. It was obviously to give you face."

"How can I have such a big face?"

"Why not? "The King of Children" has just given the film system a face, and he has retired honorably this time. I guess he also wants to sell you a favor."

"What's the point of selling me a favor?" Lin Chaoyang was puzzled.

"Stop pretending to be stupid! Have you forgotten who filmed "High Mountain"? Just pretend I don't know.

Besides, even if you put aside your family relationship, your couple's film career is developing so well, he may be of use to you in the future, just think of it as a good relationship. "

Lin Chaoyang nodded. If Shi Fangyu wanted to retire, this would indeed make sense.

Now that the censorship issue of "Furong Town" has been resolved, Lin Chaoyang asked Xie Jin, "How did you arrange it here?"

"How else can we arrange it? Once the review is approved, it will be released as soon as possible. This movie has been in trouble for two years."

Xie Jin said with an impatient look on his face.

He then stayed in Yanjing for two more days. After the film "Furong Town" passed the film bureau's review, Xie Jin made arrangements to treat Lin Chaoyang to dinner to express his gratitude.

The banquet place was set at Fengze Garden, and Xie Jin also invited several old friends in Yanjing.

I heard that it was Lin Chaoyang who came forward to help Xie Jin solve the censorship issue of "Furong Town". Everyone was surprised that Lin Chaoyang had such a big reputation in the film bureau.

I just thought that it was Lin Chaoyang who had just contributed to "King of Children" making Chinese movies famous overseas, and he was a celebrity in the film bureau.

After a lively party, Xie Jin flew back to Shanghai the next day to make arrangements for the release of "Furong Town".

Because he wanted to help Xie Jin, Lin Chaoyang first asked Tao Yushu and the nanny Adi to return to Xiangjiang with their two children.

After Xie Jin left, he planned to fly back to Xiangjiang, but Li Tuo persuaded him to stay.

After two years, the National Award for Outstanding Novels and Short Stories will be awarded again at the end of March, and their cultural salon can be held again.

"We are familiar with the process, you can handle it yourself."

"That won't work. Without you as my backbone, I won't feel confident. Everyone is here for you."

Li Tuo was afraid that Lin Chaoyang would run away to Xiangjiang, and seeing Tian'er pestering him, Lin Chaoyang felt helpless.

It is definitely impossible for him to run a cultural salon. Being a mascot is more like it.

Li Tuo and his group were responsible for all matters, and Lin Chaoyang was happy to be the hands-off shopkeeper.

He had nothing to do that day, so he ran to Xidan.

Today is the anniversary celebration of the Asia-Europe Garment City. Early in the morning, colorful flags were displayed at the entrance of Xidan Shopping Mall, and it was crowded with people.

The format of the anniversary celebrations is similar to that of last year’s opening, with stage performances, celebrity performances, full discount draws...

Du Feng called his comrades from the former art troupe to perform. In the morning, active or retired actors from the art troupe performed, and later in the evening, stars appeared on stage.

At about ten o'clock in the morning, the star finally appeared.

With a tall and straight figure, a delicate face as sharp as a knife, and graceful dancing, Fei Xiang made a brilliant debut singing "You are like a fire in the winter."

The front door of Xidan Shopping Mall was boiling in an instant!

At this moment, cheers and shouts soared into the sky, and the entire Xidan North Street was affected by this huge sound wave.

Countless girls and young wives shouted desperately, and the crowd surged like ocean waves. The scene was simply many times more enthusiastic than the top-notch appearances in later generations.

"Your big eyes

bright and flashing

Like stars in the sky

The brightest one

You are like that fire

…”

On the stage, Fei Xiang sang and danced hard, and the audience was mesmerized.

"Fire! It's so hot!" Du Feng stood on the upper floor of Xidan shopping mall, looking at the fiery scene outside through the window glass, and muttered to himself.

Following his gaze, along the entrance of Xidan Shopping Mall to both sides of Xidan North Street, half of the street was filled with citizens watching the excitement.

If he hadn't taken safety measures in advance, Du Feng would have been able to watch the excitement here.

After being lost in thought for a while, Du Feng came back to his senses.

He smiled and said to Lin Chaoyang: "It seems that this year is another good year!"

Lin Chaoyang nodded with a relaxed expression, and the two talked about the location of the new clothing city. Du Feng has been busy with this matter during the New Year period.

Du Feng has great ambitions to open in Shanghai first and then in Shijiazhuang in September. In the final analysis, the development of the Asia-Europe Garment City in Yanjing this year gave him huge confidence.

Although it has only been a year, when people in Yanjing now talk about buying clothes, the "Eurasian Clothing City" must be among the first choices for most people.

Even though the prices of clothes here are much higher than those in department stores, clothing stores, and street stalls outside, there is still no way to stop people's enthusiasm for buying.

In this year, Asia-Europe Garment City has completely conquered the hearts of Yanjing citizens with its quality and service.

After talking about business matters and watching the excitement, Lin Chaoyang planned to leave.

Du Feng suddenly said: "Brother-in-law, are your and my sister's companies still short of people?"

Lin Chaoyang looked at him doubtfully, "Is anyone looking for a job?"

"My former colleagues from the art troupe. In the past few years, the army has been CJ, and many people from the art troupe have left each year. I had a drink with them yesterday. There were a few people who had a good relationship with me in the past, but the work assignments were not ideal."

"Can't you arrange it in the clothing city?"

Du Feng said: "They are all my comrades in arms. It is not appropriate to arrange them in the clothing city."

Lin Chaoyang nodded slightly, Du Feng was indeed becoming more and more mature now.

The relationship between comrades-in-arms is not appropriate for both public and private arrangements in one's own company.

"Can I go to Xiangjiang?" Lin Chaoyang asked.

Du Feng said with a smile: "They just want it. It's a good place to go."

Lin Chaoyang pondered.

Du Feng's comrades are all members of the art troupe. They can engage in theatrical performances, but they must all be amateurs when making movies.

If they go to Lin's crew, they will have to learn from scratch, but it doesn't matter. As Du Feng said, as long as they can go to Xiangjiang, they will be happy even if the salary is lower.

Being able to work in Xiangjiang these days is basically the same as going abroad.

For Lin Chaoyang and his wife, the expansion of Lin's Films has indeed strengthened their control over the company.

These people who came from the mainland to Hong Kong do not need to do anything. Even if they are working as field staff in the crew, they are also a pair of eyes for Lin Chaoyang and his wife, which is enough.

As his mind changed, Lin Chaoyang said with a smile: "Since they are your comrades, of course there is no problem. Now the company has many films, it is no problem to recruit five or six more people, and more will have to wait until later."

Du Feng was overjoyed, "Thank you, brother-in-law, otherwise I can't get back my boast." Lin Chaoyang asked him curiously: "What boast?"

Du Feng was a little embarrassed, saying that it was because he drank too much two days ago and made a random promise to help several comrades find a good job.

When he, Mr. Du, made a move, he must not have a bad job, and he didn't want to use his father's relationship to send them to public institutions, so he thought of Lin Chaoyang's film company.

Working in a film company is not a good job, but if you go to Hong Kong, it is a good job that is hard to find even if you break your head.

Lin Chaoyang smiled and shook his head, "You, drink less in the future."

"I will pay attention in the future." Du Feng humbly agreed.

A few days later, the Xunweizhai Cultural Salon, which had not been held for two years, was held again in Xiaoliubukou Hutong.

This year, because there was also an excellent short story award, there were many award-winning writers, as many as 30.

Maybe it was because there were many people, or maybe it was because it had not been held for two years, the atmosphere of this year's salon was particularly lively, and it attracted several reporters who were curious again.

Since it was held, writers who have participated in the salon have published some of their experiences about the salon in literary magazines, and the content is mostly interesting stories when writers eat and chat.

After these articles were published, the fame and influence of the cultural salon was increased invisibly.

Because no reporter has ever participated in person, and no media system has reported the inside story, these reporters are still full of curiosity about the cultural salon and hope to interview it.

But in line with the principle of keeping a low profile, the people who attended the salon still did not accept interviews from these reporters.

But the more they did so, the more reporters became interested in this event.

On the second day of the cultural salon, several media reported the event solemnly, and also gave readers a formal introduction to the origin of the salon and some hearsay, which attracted the attention of many readers.

It also added to the mystery of the Xunweizhai Cultural Salon among the public.

When the domestic literary circles and readers were discussing the flourishing scene of the cultural salon, Lin Chaoyang had already left Yanjing.

On the afternoon of his first day in Hong Kong, Tao Yushu led Xu Guanwen into the house.

Lin Chaoyang greeted Xu Guanwen enthusiastically, and then secretly asked Tao Yushu: "I just came back today, why did you bring him here?"

Tao Yushu said helplessly: "I came to the company every day after the Chinese New Year, fearing that you would be intercepted."

"Intercept? Intercept what?"

At this point, Tao Yushu's eyes flashed with joy, "You don't know yet? Paramount Pictures in the United States wants to adapt "The Truman Show"!"

Lin Chaoyang was a little surprised when he heard this, "When did they contact you?"

"Not me, but Golden Harvest..."

Tao Yushu briefly explained the situation to Lin Chaoyang.

In the second half of last year, "The Truman Show" was released in the United States and earned more than 9 million US dollars in box office, becoming the fifth foreign film box office introduced to the United States last year.

This result seems unremarkable, but "The Truman Show" has the buffs of "art film" and "non-English language". Looking at the performance of the film in the US market, it can be said to be a miracle.

Paramount, the North American distributor of the film, tasted the sweetness and decided to acquire the adaptation rights of "The Truman Show" after research.

"The Truman Show" has just been adapted and released for less than a year. They want to obtain the adaptation rights not to remake it immediately, but to expand the script library.

This situation is common in Hollywood. Not all scripts they buy will be adapted into movies.

However, the probability that "The Truman Show" will be filmed and released in the end is very high, because its box office has proved itself.

Paramount first contacted Golden Harvest. Golden Harvest was quite happy at first, but later realized that something was wrong.

Because Lin Chaoyang had already prepared for this situation in advance when signing the contract with them.

Although Golden Harvest has the copyright of "The Truman Show", it has no right to sell the remake rights of this film to any film company.

In other words, if Paramount wants to get the remake rights of "The Truman Show", it can only find Lin Chaoyang and Lin's Pictures.

When Lin Chaoyang proposed this request, no one paid attention to it. Unexpectedly, it became a stumbling block for the cooperation between Golden Harvest and Paramount.

Zou Wenhuai was very dissatisfied with this. As early as 1980, Golden Harvest hoped to use Jackie Chan to enter the American film market.

At that time, Zou Wenhuai went to the United States and ambitiously proposed in front of many reporters to spend 60 million US dollars to shoot 6 movies to help Jackie Chan gain a foothold in the United States and become an action star.

Then Golden Harvest filmed "Killer Trench" in the United States, and then there was no more.

As the saying goes, if you are not a fierce dragon, you can't cross the river. It is true that Golden Harvest is a fierce dragon in Hong Kong, but in the United States, it can only be regarded as a small Karami.

Although his first foray into the United States failed, Zou Wenhuai never gave up the idea.

This time Paramount suddenly extended an olive branch to Golden Harvest. He was filled with joy that he would have the opportunity to enter the United States again, and this time he would cooperate with a major Hollywood company.

Unexpectedly, the boat capsized in the gutter. How could Zou Wenhuai not be angry?

But no matter how angry he was, he had to put down his emotions first and came to contact Tao Yushu in a pretentious manner, hoping to fool Tao Yushu into getting authorization for adaptation.

Then Tao Yushu noticed something was wrong, and after asking Xu Guanwen about it, he found out about Paramount.

Now Tao Yushu has contacted Paramount and is negotiating the remake of "The Truman Show".

Paramount's idea is to let Lin Chaoyang, the original author and screenwriter, write another version of the script, for which they are willing to pay an additional $50,000 for the script.

"$300,000?"

Lin Chaoyang hesitated after hearing this figure. This figure is the overall cost given by Paramount, including the remake rights and Lin Chaoyang's script remuneration.

"You also think this number is too low, right?"

Seeing his expression, Tao Yushu couldn't help but said angrily: "They are treating us like beggars. "The Truman Show" made tens of millions of dollars, and they want to take away the remake rights for only $200,000!"

At this time, Lin Chaoyang chuckled and asked, "What do you think?"

"What do you think about us co-investing in the American version of "The Truman Show" with Paramount? This way we can both make money and expand our business in the United States."

"No. If we cooperate with a giant company like Paramount, we might even lose money in the end if the movie sells well."

Lin Chaoyang shook his head firmly as he recalled what later generations had heard about the evil operations of the Big Six in Hollywood.

He briefly explained to Tao Yushu how big Hollywood companies operate such co-productions, and Tao Yushu felt frustrated.

"Then let's not cooperate with them at all. It's only 300,000 US dollars. We will make other plans when we have the strength in the future."

Tao Yushu was discouraged for a moment and then made a decision.

300,000 US dollars, converted into Hong Kong dollars, is just over 2 million, which is really nothing to the current Lin family.

There is no need to sell the copyright of "The Truman Show" for this little money.

Lin Chaoyang praised: "My wife is wise!"

The two chatted for a while, and Lin Chaoyang finally remembered that there was a guest at home. Xu Guanwen had been waiting eagerly for a while.

As soon as Lin Chaoyang sat down, Xu Guanwen immediately mentioned "Parasite" and asked Lin Chaoyang about the possibility of adapting it.

"Of course it can be adapted, but we, Lin's Pictures, will be in control of this film."

Xu Guanwen was mentally prepared before coming, so when he heard Lin Chaoyang's words, he didn't resist at all and readily agreed.

As long as he is the leading actor, it doesn't matter who invests in the movie. Anyway, he can make enough money just from the film's salary.

"The director should ask Anhua." Xu Guanwen suggested.

Lin Chaoyang nodded. Xu Anhua was not the kind of director with stunning talents. Instead, he could execute the content of the script more thoroughly and reduce the risk of movie failure.

Seeing Lin Chaoyang so happy, Xu Guanwen became excited.

The director, screenwriter, and leading actor are still the same as in "The Truman Show", which makes him feel very safe. With the quality of the original "Parasite", it may be another award-winning film by then.

Xu Guanwen's eyes were filled with anticipation when he thought that he might win a few more Best Actors in the future.

After he left, Tao Yushu said: "If you want to write a script, it will delay your writing of the novel."

"It doesn't matter. It won't take long to write the script. I can use this time to collect information for the next novel."

Hearing what he said, Tao Yushu became happy and quickly asked him about the general idea of ​​his next novel.

Last time Tao Yushu asked Lin Chaoyang about his new work, he hesitated and hesitated. This time he had an idea and answered fluently, which made Tao Yushu's eyes sparkle as he listened.

"The structure of your idea is very good. The characters you mentioned seem vivid to me just listening to them. It will definitely be more brilliant if I write them out.

However, it does involve a lot of knowledge that you didn’t know before. It’s right to collect more information and pick up the style. "

"Yes, you still need to be fully prepared to avoid making fun of what you write."

Tao Yushu said a few words with high hopes to cheer Lin Chaoyang up.

On the third day after returning to Xiangjiang, Li Hanxiang learned that Lin Chaoyang was back and invited him to dinner.

His New Kunlun Pictures invested in "The King of Children", and now that the film has won awards and overseas copyrights are selling like hotcakes, he has also made a lot of money. He is so proud that he specially called a bunch of friends.

After seeing each other for several months, everyone felt a little dazed when they saw Lin Chaoyang again.

There is no other reason than that Lin's Pictures is a bit popular now.

Last year, "The Truman Show" and "A Better Tomorrow" both received good box office reviews. Not only did they occupy the top two in the annual box office rankings in Hong Kong, but they also sold well in other cities and made huge profits.

By the end of the year, "The Hardcover Chasing Girls" once again gave the Hong Kong film industry a big surprise.

"Best Friend" was released half a month ago. Director Wang Jing's performance is still stable. Seeing that the box office is about to exceed 20 million Hong Kong dollars, the performance in other places will definitely not be bad.

In addition, Li Hanxiang made a lot of money from investing in "The King of Kids", and it is inevitable that when people look at Lin Chaoyang, they will put on a heavy filter that smells of money.

Especially when everyone recalled that two years ago, the Lin Chaoyang they met was just a writer from the mainland, this strong contrast was even more impactful.

In everyone's mindset, it was clearly Li Hanxiang who invited the guests, but Lin Chaoyang became the focus of the banquet.

But Li Hanxiang was not dissatisfied at all. In his eyes, Lin Chaoyang was now a money-spending boy. Not to mention stealing the limelight of his party, he would not hesitate to give away the luxury house in Mid-Levels.

And after the party, Li Hanxiang did so.

"Give me the house in Jiahui Garden?" Lin Chaoyang looked at Li Hanxiang in surprise, and then smiled and said, "You can give me a house worth millions of dollars just by saying so. You are spending a lot of money!"

Li Hanxiang said without hesitation, "You helped me make a lot of money, so what if I give you a house."

Lin Chaoyang smiled, "I appreciate your kindness, but forget about giving you a house."

After being rejected by him, Li Hanxiang insisted for a while, and seeing Lin Chaoyang's firm attitude, he could only sigh helplessly.

He knew that it would not be so easy to make a lot of money by riding on Lin Chaoyang's coattails like before.

Seeing his expression, Lin Chaoyang guessed his thoughts and said, "You should invest in our company's movies in the future, not like before."

Li Hanxiang's heart skipped a beat. What was coming finally came.

Friends are friends, and business is business.

He silently said this in his heart, and his face became serious, "I understand!"

"You understand nothing!" Lin Chaoyang laughed and scolded, and then said, "If you invest again in the future, you must bring in at least five investors for me, and you will pay 40% of the investment!"

Li Hanxiang was stunned when he heard this.