Chapter 497 Han Sanping's "Giving Way to the Virtuous"
On the afternoon of June 12th.
Xu Kun was originally scheduled to go to Huairou Film and Television City with Liu Haibo to attend the premiere of "Mei Lanfang". On the way, they happened to discuss the Youth Directors Association meeting in the evening.
Although Xu Kun never thought that he could have absolute power in the Youth Directors Association, he also didn't expect that the Film Bureau would insert Chief Jia in. In order to prevent Chief Jia from causing trouble, he must discuss countermeasures with Lao Liu.
Who would have thought that after they had already made an appointment by phone, Xu Kun suddenly received a call from Han Sanping, who said that he wanted to discuss some matters with him in advance.
Xu Kun had no choice but to stand up Lao Liu.
In order to show respect to Han Sanping, Xu Kun waited at the intersection ten minutes in advance. Fortunately, it was winter, so no one would find it strange no matter how tightly he was wrapped up.
When Han Sanping's car drove over, Xu Kun took off his coat and held it in his arms, then opened the door and got in, taking off the hat with a scarf.
Seeing him busy, Han Sanping couldn't help but smile and commented: "Not bad, you are quite down-to-earth, unlike some people who become arrogant once they are honored."
Is this talking about Chen Kaige?
Xu Kun had some doubts in his heart, but he was not stupid enough to complain about Director Chen in front of Han Sanping - after all, Han Sanping had always been very supportive of Director Chen, and he also held the title of producer of "Mei Lanfang".
Xu Kun smiled and said, "I can have so many honors thanks to Director Feng, and Director Feng is best at starting with down-to-earth little people. I must inherit this advantage."
Han Sanping was stunned for a moment before he realized that the honor Xu Kun was talking about was the Best Actor trophy he won for "Assembly".
In addition to the Venice and Hundred Flowers Awards, Xu Kun won six other Best Actor awards during the release of Operation Kunpeng, the most important of which was the Golden Rooster Award.
So far, he has won two of the three major domestic film awards. The last one, the Huabiao Award, will not be presented until next year. Compared with the other two awards, the Huabiao Award usually represents the official attitude. Given Xu Kun's current identity as a mainstream director, it would be a strange thing if he did not win this award.
Although the title of Best Actor is indeed more in line with the concept of honor than box office, the honor Han Sanping mentioned is obviously not the Best Actor, but the new record of one billion box office.
But Han Sanping still felt particularly relieved when he heard Xu Kun's humble words.
He had also heard about the recent quarrel between Feng Xiaogang and Xu Kun. The fact that Xu Kun was still praising Feng Xiaogang highly at this time showed that he was indeed not carried away by the victory.
This is extremely rare for a young man who has climbed up from the bottom.
Reaching out and patting Xu Kun on the shoulder, Han Sanping said with a smile: "Actually, the main reason I came to you this time is because of the tribute film for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China next year. I guess you should have heard about it, right?"
"You mean The Founding of a Republic?"
Xu Kun had seen this movie in his previous life, or rather, he had seen all movies of this kind.
However, he knew that "Founding of a Republic" was about to be filmed not because of his memories from his previous life, but because he heard from Ge You in September - Ge You was one of the first confirmed actors.
By late November, I heard that many actors had received invitation text messages from the preparatory team.
"I was wondering if you didn't come to see me."
Xu Kun laughed and said, "After all, I am also the winner of the Venice Film Festival. How come others have received invitation text messages but I haven't received any yet?"
"Of course there is a reason for this."
Han Sanping said seriously, "This tribute film was originally planned to be directed by me and Huang Jianxin, but under my strong recommendation, after discussion and decision by the superiors, it has been decided that you and Huang Jianxin will be the partners instead, and I will continue to do my old job as the producer."
"This……"
Xu Kun never expected that Han Sanping would actually "step down and let others take over". After all, that was "The Founding of a Republic" which was full of political significance!
Before Xu Kun could come up with any words, Han Sanping said without question, "Okay, it's settled. This is not a decision made by me alone, but something that many people are working on together.
In fact, you have limited room to play when filming "The Founding of a Republic". The script has been reviewed by the higher-ups and basically no changes are allowed - this is more of an honor and a qualification, and what you lack most right now is qualification!"
Han Sanping had said so much, so Xu Kun naturally couldn't refuse any longer.
On the way, Han Sanping briefly introduced the early preparations. Other films were worried about not being able to find big-name actors or not being able to pay the salaries of big-name actors.
But the situation with "Founding of a Republic" was just the opposite. Famous actors across the country were basically willing to act for free - except for Jet Li, who did not want any pay himself, but required that a certain percentage of the film's proceeds be donated to One Foundation for charity.
The question now is who to choose and who not to choose.
"You should discuss the casting with Huang Jianxin first, and come back to me if you are not sure. There is only one thing: well-known actors from Hong Kong and Taiwan must occupy a portion of the quota. You cannot reject them based on your personal preferences. This is a political task!" "Don't worry about it."
Xu Kun patted his chest and said, "What I am against is giving Hong Kong and Taiwan stars super-national treatment. Since they are being treated like slaves for free this time, I am happy to order them around."
"You, you."
Han Sanping shook his head and said, "Although the people of Hong Kong Island are more arrogant, it is also true that their economy is doing well. There are also many practices in commercial films that are worth learning from..."
Xu Kun just laughed it off.
Not to mention Han Sanping, who was born in the 50s, even many young people born in the 80s and 90s have a special view of Hong Kong Island.
It will probably take a dozen years before this filter is gradually broken.
So it's useless to say anything now.
So he chose to change the subject and said, "By the way, Uncle Han, I was just the director this time. I didn't get a role? After all, I am also the Venice Film Festival Best Actor."
"Haha, if you're willing, you can try to play Zhang Guoli's son."
Playing the role of Zhang Guoli's son?
That’s Xiao Jiang, who is also an important character with a lot of screen time in the movie.
Although thinking this in his heart, Xu Kun pretended to be confused: "Who is Uncle Guoli playing this time?"
"Chang Kaishen!"
"Oh……"
"Haha, for publicity purposes, Xiao Jiang is also considered a positive character. You'll know after you read the script."
The two set out early and arrived in Huairou before six o'clock, and there was still an hour and a half before the premiere officially opened.
Upon hearing that Han Sanping had arrived, Chen Kaige brought Chen Hong and several main creative staff to the gate to greet him.
Seeing Xu Kun was also there, Chen Kaige was obviously a little repulsive, but he couldn't show it too obviously in front of Han Sanping, so he could only pretend to be enthusiastic and shook hands with Xu Kun, and offered his belated congratulations to Xu Kun on winning the Venice Film Festival Best Actor Award.
As for "Operation Kunpeng", which broke a lot of records, Director Chen didn't mention it a single word.
The subtext is: I admit that you are a good actor, but your directing level...haha, let’s not talk about it.
Han Sanping now regards Xu Kun as the light of domestic films, and also believes that the younger generation is the hope for the rise of domestic films. Therefore, his expectations for Director Chen are much lower.
Seeing Director Chen's sarcastic tone, he said, "Xiao Xu is indeed good. Director Chen, you can definitely learn from Xiao Xu and make progress together in the future."
Chen Kaige's already timid smile suddenly froze. Fortunately, Chen Hong came to the rescue in time and warmly invited Han Sanping to have dinner backstage.
It was not until this time that Xu Kun realized that Han Sanping came so early to have dinner with Chen Kaige, and he couldn't help but feel unlucky in his heart.
However, Han Sanping and Chen Kaige have been dealing with each other for more than 20 years and know each other well. Now that he can suppress him with his status, the great poet Chen is too embarrassed to put on his usual pretentious face.
So the meal was peaceful and calm.
The only interlude during the dinner was that Han Sanping only gave a few compliments to Leon Lai, who played the adult version of Mei Lanfang, but praised the unknown young actor Yu Shaoqun highly, thinking that he brought the young Mei Lanfang to life.
After dinner, Chen Kaige enthusiastically took everyone on a tour around the theater. At first, Xu Kun didn't understand why he chose such a remote location for the premiere.
Later, when he saw Peking Opera elements everywhere, such as masks, costumes, and props, and even some opera singers specially invited to act as on-site NPCs, Xu Kun suddenly understood.
All of these layouts involve redecoration and even changes to the building structure, and the major theaters in the capital may not be willing to cooperate.
But it has to be said that although Chen Kaige's ability in filming may be controversial, his ability in architectural decoration is indeed unique. Compared with this arrangement, the premiere of Xu Kun's "Operation Kunpeng" cannot be said to be shabby, it can only be said to be full of nouveau riche style.
(End of this chapter)
