sovbooks Chapter 77: Nomination; [Racing] Premiere
Chapter 77: Nomination; [Racing] Premiere
The second batch of shortlisted films has been announced, including several Chinese-language films, but none of them made it into the main competition.
And in the list of main competition sections, the name "The Hunt" appeared prominently.
Blasted.
The film and television industry was in an uproar.
Chen Kaige said he was 50% sure he would win the Golden Bear, which was met with skepticism from the industry, but no one questioned it.
But Wang Xuan's inclusion in the shortlist was unbelievable to everyone.
He's only a sophomore, and not even a directing major, yet his first art film was nominated.
Even Wang Quan'an, last year's Golden Bear winner, was not selected for the "Textile Girl" competition, but he was shortlisted.
This news has had a significant impact.
Especially in the film industry, it has overturned many people's perceptions.
Wang Xuan is too young, which makes some old guys who admire film art very uncomfortable.
They used to claim that young people didn't understand art, but now they've been proven wrong by the European film festivals they admire.
Numerous media outlets focused their attention on Wang Xuan, giving him extensive coverage:
"The Hunt, directed by young director Wang Xuan and starring Ge You, Li Xuejian, Jiang Wenli, and others, has been selected for the main competition at the Berlin International Film Festival..."
"Wang Xuan will once again set foot in Berlin as a director."
Wang Xuan, a student from the 07 class of the Performance Department of Beijing Film Academy, has become the youngest director in China to be nominated for the three major European film festivals.
"..."
····
In an instant, a large number of calls came in, but Wang Xuan ignored them and answered the young lady's call first.
"Xuanxuan, congratulations! I knew you could do it. The youngest director ever to be nominated."
Hearing Jing Tian's excited voice, Wang Xuan felt that she was even more excited than he was.
"Haha, thanks, but you're not entirely right."
Wang Xuan corrected, "It should be one of them. The youngest director nominated at the three major European film festivals is Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf."
Wang Xuan strongly suspected that this female director was a reincarnated person, and one with special abilities.
She was shortlisted for the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes at the age of 18, for the main competition at the age of 20, and won the Jury Prize, which is second only to the Palme d'Or. She was shortlisted again at the age of 23 and won the Jury Prize again.
Clearly, Jing Tian was unaware of these records; she only knew that Wang Xuan was the best.
"Then you are also the youngest director in China to be nominated."
"Yes, the previous youngest was 26 years old, and now I have broken that record."
"You've got to show off again."
"It's so-so, haha."
After chatting for a while, Jing Tian realized that many people were looking for Wang Xuan, so she took the initiative to end the call.
Sure enough, another call came in; it was from Tian Zhuangzhuang, who rarely contacted him first.
"【The Hunt】explores the human nature of its subjects, a genre favored by European film festivals, giving the film a chance to compete for awards."
"I will try my best, but the final result depends on luck."
Wang Xuan was a little unsure of himself. This year's judging panel consisted of only one Chinese-American writer, putting him at a disadvantage in the competition for the award.
Wang Chunzi called Wang Xuan over and said in a gentle tone:
"Even though you were nominated as a director, if you actually win the award, the department will still put up a banner for you."
Wang Xuan smiled helplessly. It's not that easy to win an award. Even if you did win one, the school would definitely be the most enthusiastic.
After leaving the teaching building, Wang Xuan looked through the congratulatory text messages he had received, some from familiar faces and some from strangers.
After selectively replying to a few people, he informed the main creators to set aside their schedules so they could go to Berlin together.
QQ froze due to too many messages.
Wang Xuan simply stopped watching, logged out of his account, and instantly felt the whole world become quiet.
···
"Shishi, Director Wang's film was nominated, you congratulated him, right?"
"Yes, Master replied to me."
Liu Shishi nodded happily and immediately congratulated Wang Xuan, feeling happy for him.
"You can't just send a text message; you need to call or congratulate me in person to show your sincerity."
Cai Yinong subtly reminded him.
"It will disturb Master."
Hearing Liu Shishi's words, Cai Yinong sighed almost imperceptibly, stepped forward, took Liu Shishi's hand, and said earnestly:
"Shishi, there are too many temptations in the entertainment industry. If you don't take the initiative, how long can your so-called master-disciple relationship last?"
And don't you have any other ideas?
Having worked in the entertainment industry for so many years, Cai Yinong had long seen through Liu Shishi's little schemes.
What a load of rubbish about master-disciple relationship; it's nothing more than an excuse to get close to someone out of fear of being rejected in a romantic relationship.
Liu Shishi, her thoughts exposed, blushed and stubbornly replied:
"I didn't have any other intentions; it's just a simple master-disciple relationship."
"You can lie to me, but don't lie to yourself."
Cai Yinong said irritably.
Once her disguise was exposed, Liu Shishi looked dejected, her head bowed and her hands clutching the hem of her clothes.
"Sister Cai, I am not worthy of my master."
The first time I met him, he was already a movie star, while I was just a small-time actor. Not long after, when I heard the news again, he was already a director with box office hits exceeding 100 million, and I was still a small-time actor.
I'm not good enough for my master... I think it's good to be his disciple, that way we can still have a connection."
Seeing Liu Shishi's lack of confidence, Cai Yinong put her arm around her, offered her a shoulder to lean on, and acted as a caring older sister.
This tactic of winning people's hearts is always effective.
Cai Yinong's idea was to use Liu Shishi to bind Wang Xuan, because the so-called master-disciple relationship is not as reliable as a boyfriend relationship.
After this period of subtle probing, Liu Shishi's lack of initiative stemmed from a lack of self-confidence.
"Shishi, don't underestimate yourself. You're beautiful, have a great temperament, and are very outstanding. How will you know if you don't try?" Cai Yinong continued to encourage her.
Liu Shishi shook her head: "Sister Cai, please don't try to persuade me. I think it's fine as it is."
Upon hearing this, Cai Yinong sighed helplessly. She hadn't expected that Liu Shishi, who looked so gentle and weak, would actually have such strong opinions.
···
18 number.
The premiere of "Crazy Racer" was held in Beijing.
Ning Hao called Wang Xuan early in the morning, telling the famous director to arrive early, his words full of teasing envy.
Clearly, Wang Xuan's nomination at the age of 21 had a huge impact, and with his commercial success, he has already been classified as a top director.
"I'm not one of the main creators, why would I go so early?" Wang Xuan said irritably.
"Can't I just call you Brother Xuan? You're super popular right now, so come over early and help me increase the premiere's exposure."
Since Ning Hao had said so, Wang Xuan agreed.
When I arrived at the scene, I was amazed at how fun they really were.
The traditional red carpet event was transformed into a bicycle track.
"How about it? Isn't it unique, giving the guests and media present the feeling of participating in a competition?"
The lead actors in the film "[Racing]" are not well-known, and Ning Hao wanted to attract exposure in this way.
"It's quite innovative," Wang Xuan nodded in agreement.
Ning Hao led Wang Xuan backstage and introduced the main actors of the film. He recognized Huang Bo, but he didn't really recognize the other Taiwanese actors.
"Director Wang, don't let my role in Director Ning's commercial films fool you. I actually come from an art-house film background. You could consider me if you have any projects."
Huang Bo volunteered.
Before Wang Xuan could speak, Ning Hao started teasing him.
"I was planning to make you my go-to leading man, but since you don't like acting in my shows, then forget about the next one."
"No, I'm your loyal henchman, I would never betray you."
Huang Bo's exaggerated reaction drew laughter from everyone present.
···
The premiere has begun.
Although Ning Hao has only been famous for a short time, many people from the industry came to support him.
That makes sense, though, since the investors in the film "Racing" are led by two major state-owned enterprises.
Many directors from the industry attended, including Gu Changwei, Huang Jianxin, and Gao Xixi…
Many actors came, all hoping to become familiar faces.
Before the movie screening, the creators held an event where Ning Hao and Huang Bo rode racing cars on stage, heading towards the "100 million" finish line on the screen.
"If we change the sign, our show will be worth at least 200 million," Huang Bo suddenly said.
"Haha, no wonder you went from a supporting role in 'Stone' to the lead role now. Director Ning just said he wanted to promote you to his go-to leading man. This is the reason."
One of the production team members made a joke, which drew laughter from the audience.
"That makes me sound like I'm flattering you. Do you really think it can't exceed 2 million?"
Upon hearing this, the laughter in the room grew even louder, and the man who had spoken earlier shut his mouth in embarrassment.
The event has ended, and the main program is now playing.
The film continues Ning Hao's absurd style, with multiple storylines running parallel, including a down-on-his-luck race car driver, a gang of drug dealers, and a bumbling thief and assassin.
A series of unexpected entanglements, coincidences intertwined with misunderstandings, and constant plot twists keep the pace incredibly fast.
He could spout all sorts of witty jokes without ever sounding awkward, eliciting frequent bursts of laughter from the audience.
Wang Xuan noticed that every time the audience laughed, Ning Hao would excitedly shake hands.
Finally, all the seemingly scattered lines merged into one.
The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause; this was a good movie that didn't treat the audience perfunctorily.
Ning Hao was somewhat excited; judging from the audience's reaction, he knew the movie was a success.
"Director Ning, the box office performance of several films released during the Lunar New Year season is quite good. Isn't setting a target of 100 million a bit too low?" a reporter asked.
"No, it's not a Lunar New Year film."
Ning Hao shook his head, automatically ignoring the box office issue; setting the target too high would easily lead to being proven wrong.
"It's already the end of January, so calling it the Lunar New Year film season is a bit of a misnomer. I'd rather call it the Spring Festival film season."
The guests at the scene looked completely bewildered. When did a Spring Festival film season suddenly appear?
Just as everyone was wondering, Ning Hao gave the answer: "This release date was suggested by director Wang Xuan. It's closer to Lunar New Year's Eve, so calling it the Spring Festival release date would be more appropriate."
All eyes turned to Wang Xuan; he was already a hot topic, and now he was being noticed even more.
Cocktail party time.
Wang Xuan was stopped by Han Sanping. He still had his usual short haircut and Zhongshan suit, exuding a powerful aura.
"I didn't expect you to actually make the list. Do you remember our promise?"
"Mr. Han, did we make any agreement?" Wang Xuan pretended not to know.
"Forgot? Well, let me remind you, I wish you good luck in Berlin, preferably the Golden Bear, haha."
Han Sanping laughed heartily, attracting the attention of those around him.
"Old boss, what did you and Director Wang talk about? You seemed so happy." Yu Dong walked over with a wine glass in his hand.
Han Sanping waved his hand, not mentioning the award. It was just an unrealistic incentive anyway; it was enough for the person involved to know, there was no need to bring it up in public.
"Director Wang, congratulations again on your nomination. Berna hopes to collaborate with you on your future film investments."
"Thank you. We can talk about the investment later. Today is Director Ning's day."
Wang Xuan did not want to overshadow the host.
Just as he escaped the sight of a group of film company bosses, he was stopped by a strange woman.
"Hello Director Wang, I am Zhong Lifang from Xiaoma Films."
"Hello, is there something you need?"
Wang Xuan politely accepted the business card, but without even looking at it, he put it in his pocket.
Despite seeing this, Zhong Lifang maintained her smile: "Xiao Ma has ample funds. If Director Wang's film is looking for investment, you might want to consider us."
"Yes, I will." Wang Xuan nodded perfunctorily.
With so many people wanting to invest in his films, how could he possibly lack funding? He simply has the right to choose his partners.
···
Wang Xuan left before the party was over. Wherever he went, he was surrounded by film company bosses and actors. Socializing is tiring work.
In the afternoon, news reports appeared about the premiere of "Racing".
"Director Wang Xuan proposed the concept of the Spring Festival film season, and 'Crazy Racer' will be the first film to be released during the Spring Festival season."
"Ning Hao continues his absurdist comedy style, and 'Racing' is expected to be a box office dark horse."
"..."
···
There's a saying: It doesn't matter if a person is old and ugly, the most important thing is to have talent.
Even an ugly guy like Feng Xiaogang has beautiful female TV hosts rushing to curry favor with him.
According to paparazzi, Feng Xiaogang entered the apartment of Phoenix TV host Shen Xing late at night and did not leave until the next morning.
That day, Xu Fan brought a group of people to vandalize the woman's home, and it's said that they even assaulted her.
Upon seeing the news, Wang Xuan noticed the paparazzi's name: Zhuo Wei, the future top paparazzi in mainland China.
The comments from netizens were quite interesting; Feng Xiaogang remained reclusive, and most of them were sarcastic or teasing.
The woman is in a bad situation. She has a wealthy husband but still dates older men. If she had dated a younger man, her reputation wouldn't be so bad, and she would be the target of a barrage of insults from netizens.
···
The casting for "The Founding of a Republic" has begun on a large scale.
When the film was first conceived, an all-star cast was confirmed. Someone immediately suggested acting for free, which received unanimous support from everyone.
Being able to act in this movie is a recognition in itself; there are far too many people vying for the role.
20 number.
The movie "Crazy Racer" has been released.
By the afternoon, a large number of positive reviews appeared online, and negative reviews were quickly covered up.
This proves that the movie has indeed received excellent reviews.
"I really despise you. I'll show you what it means to love what you do!"
"Speaking like a broken record, are you preparing for graduate school?"
"I'm broke, even my sunbathing is secondhand."
"The local gangsters are so rude."
···
It grossed 8.5 million on its opening day and 18 million in its first three days.
Wang Xuan was puzzled. This movie was far superior to "If You Are the One" and "Red Cliff" in terms of both quality and reputation, so why was its box office so poor?
Modern audiences really can't stomach fine things!
For a film without big-name stars, Ning Hao is very satisfied with the results. Based on the current data, it should easily gross over 100 million yuan.