Chapter 100: The Wind Howls Before the Storm
Yang Siwei came to Li Chen to deliver good news, but she didn't expect things to be exactly as her boss predicted; there were many people who stood up to speak for her boss.
Now that the storm had passed, many acquaintances, including Zhou Xun, Fan Bingbing, and Li Bingbing, had called her.
They all marveled, “Your Director Li is truly amazing. He didn't even have to respond, and the negative news collapsed on its own.”
What made Yang Siwei happiest was that Tangtang received five brand endorsement offers.
This was her first artist's first endorsement offer, and to receive five at once was incredible.
Seeing both Yang Siwei and Tangtang beaming with joy, Li Chen smiled and said, “Receiving endorsements is a good thing, but Siwei, you need to keep a clear head.”
“You need to filter for endorsements suitable for Tangtang; you shouldn't accept just any random endorsement.”
“Brands choose suitable artists as spokespersons, and artists themselves must also screen qualified brands!”
Yang Siwei nodded, “Don't worry, boss, I know what to do.”
Li Chen smiled and asked, “Siwei, have you thought about Tangtang's public persona?”
“Public persona?” Yang Siwei was a bit curious; she hadn't heard that term before.
“Boss, what is a public persona?” Tangtang also asked curiously.
Li Chen lightly tapped his forehead, thinking that the term ‘public persona’ didn't exist yet.
The term ‘public persona’ seemed to have originated from Naruto.
Li Chen could only explain in a more common way: “A public persona is Tangtang's public image.”
“To give a simple example, why did Starlight freeze out that Star Girl?”
“Wasn't it because Huang Shengyi privately took a job for Men's Uno, which disrupted Starlight's plans for her?” Yang Siwei asked, seemingly starting to understand.
“Exactly. Actually, taking private jobs isn't the important part; what's important is that she destroyed the pure and innocent image Starlight had always built for her.”
“And this pure and innocent image is what I call a public persona. When a public persona collapses, one's career is ruined. Huang Shengyi is an example.”
Tangtang understood. Thinking of that Song Da Zui now, she still found it a bit funny.
“Boss, didn't Song Zude say that once Huang Shengyi broke her contract with Starlight, he could sign her?”
Yang Siwei was very disgusted with Song Da Zui, saying with a look of disdain, “Him? That movie, Heaven's Eye, I heard the box office didn't even cover the fee he paid Huang Shengyi. He really can boast.”
Li Chen smiled and said, “Don't mind them.”
“However, regarding the public personas of Tangtang and Mi Mi, as the company's publicity director and agent, you need to have a clear idea, otherwise, you'll be running around like a headless fly.”
“I've noted that, boss. I'll think about it thoroughly later,” Yang Siwei said.
“Hmm, think more. When luxury brands select spokespersons, a big factor is whether the artist's public persona matches the brand image.”
“The establishment and maintenance of a public persona can quickly help ordinary people identify and understand a person.”
“On this point, Hong Kong is already ahead of us. You've also seen Hollywood's marketing model in Hollywood, so you should remember it clearly, right?”
Yang Siwei was thoughtful. Li Chen's words today had greatly inspired her.
The two left Li Chen's office.
Tangtang was a bit curious: “Siwei, I feel like the boss understands the agent side of things even better than you do. Which of you two is actually the top student from the Communication University?”
Yang Siwei was a bit embarrassed and brushed it off, “Tangtang, have you ever seen someone like the boss in the history of the three major academies since their establishment?”
“You comparing me to the boss, you really think highly of me.”
Tangtang thought about it and smiled, “You're right. At the boss's age, with his achievements, there really isn't anyone comparable, either domestically or internationally.”
Yang Siwei nodded, “The boss is right. I really need to think carefully about your and Mi Mi's public personas.”
“You have a good hand to start with now, and I can't let you become another Huang Shengyi.”
A piece of news from Hong Kong shocked everyone.
Li Chen didn't know what these people were thinking; it had been twenty years, and they were only now breaking the news, and they didn't even dare to name names. So what was the point of saying anything?!
Entering November, there was a palpable sense of impending storm and dark clouds pressing down in the industry and online, suggesting that something big was about to happen.
Both the media and the vast number of movie fans were filled with infinite anticipation for the next two months.
Because starting in December, five major films of the New Year Film Season were scheduled to debut and compete.
This was an unprecedented spectacle in the century-long history of China's cinema, enough to be recorded in film history.
Even the global release of King Kong on December 14th was completely squeezed out of the market.
Whether it was the peak showdown between the two Golden Palm winners and Zhang Yimou, or which of painted skin and The Promise would be the first in Chinese fantasy films, both were full of highlights.
As for perhaps love and crazy stone, although they were heavily promoted, neither the media nor industry insiders were optimistic that these two Hong Kong films could pose a significant threat to the three major mainland directors during the New Year Film Season.
Starting in November, the teaser trailer and the ending piano piece “Asian Road” for painted skin were released one after another.
They immediately outshone the teasers for The Promise and perhaps love.
The reason was simple: a few classic shots of Zhou Xun in the teaser were so beautiful that they made people completely overlook her appearance.
Especially the scene of her emerging from the water like a lotus.
Previously, everyone had only seen the poster for painted skin in cinemas.
But compared to the released clips, especially with the deep, sad piano piece “Asian Road,” it was exquisitely beautiful.
Netizens were all amazed and curious.
“Are the people in perhaps love and painted skin really the same person? Could perhaps love have used a body double? Or did Chen Kexin intentionally make Zhou Xun look ugly?”
“There's no harm without comparison. I now believe what Director Li said is true: painted skin truly didn't consider perhaps love an opponent.”
“December, hurry up! I can't wait to see the PK between painted skin and The Promise. Golden Palm versus Golden Palm, who is the real 999 gold!”
“With a three or four hundred million market in the New Year Film Season, The Promise claims it will take 300 million alone. This completely disregards Director Zhang and Director Li!”
“The Partition of Jin, who will be Wei and Zhao?”
Regardless of the online discussions, the three directors involved did not respond. Instead, they redoubled their efforts to promote their films.
Chen Kaige and Chen Hong, the couple, were particularly tireless.
Miss Liu had received quite a few acting offers in recent months, but Li Chen passed on all of them.
There really weren't any good scripts suitable for Miss Liu. Li Chen told Miss Liu to use this time to either attend classes at school or solidify her basic skills at home with the teachers Li Chen found for her.
Objectively speaking, Miss Liu's acting skills were outstanding among the post-85 actresses.
It was just that her beauty drew all attention to her face.
The first stop for painted skin's national tour was Modu. It had been a while since Li Chen saw Zhou Xun, and Zhou Xun was still the same Zhou Xun.
Her brown slim-fit jacket paired with beige straight-leg pants made her look capable and chic.
“Director Li, I've been living in dire straits these past few months.”
“Please, you two great directors, when you're having your divine battle, spare a thought for me, a small actress, and don't let me die too miserably,” Zhou Xun complained lifelessly in the car.
In this car, only Zhou Xun, Tangtang, and Yang Siwei were present, so Zhou Xun spoke without much reservation.
Yang Siwei and Tangtang held back their laughter and remained silent.
Although Li Chen and Chen Kexin were at odds, they wouldn't make things difficult for Zhou Xun on this matter.
Li Chen smiled and said, “Don't worry, everything will be according to the contract. Didn't I agree to hand you over to him for the later stages?”
“Lest the box office isn't good, and they say I'm bullying people!”
Zhou Xun held her forehead, sighing repeatedly, her expression so pained that it was hard to tell if she was acting.
Li Chen laughed and scolded, “Don't act for me here; I don't fall for that.”
Zhou Xun let out a long breath: “No, I'm just having a headache thinking about how to answer the media and film fans' questions later.”
“Don't pretend with me. Will you, Zhou Gongzi, be afraid of reporters? Go fool a ghost!” Li Chen said with a laugh.
Zhou Xun probably wakes up laughing in her dreams these two months.
With one painted skin and one perhaps love, both in the New Year Film Season, she was undoubtedly the queen of this year's New Year Film Season.
Moreover, painted skin also helped her win the Best Actress award at Venice.
The other film, perhaps love, was also aiming for an Oscar.
And Chen Kexin was full of confidence; Zhou Xun's Venice award also brought benefits to perhaps love.
“Hahaha, it's Director Li after all; I can't fool you. It seems my acting still needs improvement.”
“But seriously, Director Li, do you think I have a chance to win a Little Golden Man?” Zhou Xun leaned closer to Li Chen.
Yang Siwei and Tangtang also became interested.
“Sister Xun, you definitely have no problem,” Tangtang said with a smile.
Yang Siwei, however, was not as simple as Tangtang: “Boss, tell us, does Sister Xun have a chance?”
The three of them, like three little piglets bursting with curiosity, all looked at Li Chen with eager expressions.
Li Chen found it quite amusing: “I haven't even seen perhaps love, so how can I comment?”
“Xun Ge'er's acting is definitely on point, otherwise Chen Kexin wouldn't have sought you out.”
“However, I advise you not to have too much hope for the Little Golden Man, lest you end up greatly disappointed.”
The three looked at each other. To comment like that without even having seen it, only the person in front of them could do it.
“You don't think highly of perhaps love, Director Li?” Zhou Xun's playful expression faded.
“It's not that I don't think highly of perhaps love; I also don't think highly of The Promise,” Li Chen shook his head.
Uh, the three of them were stunned, not expecting Li Chen to be so pessimistic about the two Oscar-contending blockbusters that were widely rumored to be phenomenal.
Zhou Xun was displeased: “Director Li, you're too subjective, aren't you? How about we make a bet on whether perhaps love can get a nomination?”
Li Chen smiled, looking Zhou Xun up and down: “I won't bet with you. What stakes do you have to bet with me?”
Zhou Xun was exasperated: “I, I...”
Hahaha, Yang Siwei and Tangtang both burst out laughing.
“Laugh at what?” Zhou Xun laughed and scolded the two angrily.
“Sister Xun, you really have no stakes to bet with my boss! Money? You'd probably be thrown to the moon by my boss. Fame? Your Best Actress award was still won with my boss's help.”
“As for anything else, currently, I haven't found my boss interested in any woman other than Yifei,” Yang Siwei said with a grin.
Li Chen smiled and said, “Alright, I won't bully you. If you want to bet, let's bet once.”
“If perhaps love doesn't get a nomination, then next time I ask you to film, don't give me any excuses or drag your feet.”
Zhou Xun thought this was a good deal; she wouldn't lose anything. Who wouldn't want to act in Director Li's film now?
“Okay, no problem. But what if it does get a nomination?” Zhou Xun asked with a smile.
“A nomination? To be honest, I haven't even thought about it because it's basically impossible. If a miracle really happens, consider it a favor I owe you,” Li Chen said.
“Good, it's a deal. Siwei, Tangtang, you two be witnesses for me, don't lose your impartiality just because Director Li is your boss!” Zhou Xun said confidently.
Tangtang smiled, “No problem, Sister Xun, I also hope you win. I’ve never seen my boss lose.”
Yang Siwei didn't speak, but she felt that Zhou Xun had been tricked by her boss.
The promotional event in the Demon Capital was held at the Hilton Hotel.
“Director Li, I’m a reporter from China News Service. What are your thoughts on the recent heated discussion that father's love is like a mountain deviates from mainstream values?”
“Today we are here to promote painted skin. For questions unrelated to painted skin, you can ask Yang Siwei, the head of public relations for my company, afterward. Thank you.”
“Miss Zhou Xun, I’m a reporter from Information Times. You are the lead actress in both painted skin and perhaps love. Which film do you have higher hopes for in terms of box office?”
“I knew I’d be challenged by you all today, and sure enough.”
The reporters burst into laughter, all eagerly waiting for Zhou Xun’s answer.
“Personally, both films were unforgettable to shoot.”
“Actually, both films are very good and have similarities. One is a musical romance, and the other is a fantasy romance.”
“If I had to pick a winner in terms of box office, I think painted skin would have an advantage.”
“Sister Xun, I’m your fan. You look so beautiful in painted skin.”
“Thank you. I have to thank Director Li for that. For that shot, I soaked in the water for half a day; it was purely for the sake of looking beautiful.”
The scene was filled with laughter, and the atmosphere was lively.
While several prominent directors were vigorously promoting their new films nationwide, the Golden Rooster Awards and Golden Horse Awards also opened simultaneously.
This year, the Golden Rooster Awards and Golden Horse Awards clashed.
This led many Hong Kong stars to temporarily change their plans and head to Taiwan.
Nominated celebrities from the mainland adopted a wait-and-see attitude.
The head of the China Filmmakers Association calmly told the media, “I believe film festivals don’t rely on stars; their fundamental prosperity is rooted in professionalism.”
As soon as this statement was made, it seemed to imply criticism of the big names and prominent directors, leading to even fewer people attending the Golden Rooster Awards opening ceremony.
When reporters asked the head of the organizing committee why the Golden Rooster Awards had no stars to support it, the official could not hide his wry smile: “Some are due to scheduling conflicts, some promised to come but then suddenly didn’t, citing reasons like feeling unwell or spraining an ankle.”
Sanxia was sunny.
But the Golden Rooster Awards could only be described in four words: dim and lackluster.
Even the reporters were scratching their heads in frustration, almost suffering from hemorrhoids!
Oh heavens, please send some big names! Otherwise, how can we complete this interview assignment?
It had been three or four days since the opening, and not a single celebrity of any stature had appeared.
After waiting for several days, still nothing.
It wasn't until the appearance of Yang Zi and Song Da Zui that reporters were truly speechless and exasperated.
The ones who should have come didn't, but why did these two troublemakers show up?
The two had many things in common: both had been in business for many years and then suddenly became interested in film.
The film 'Green Flower,' starring Yang Zi and the classic Little Dragon Girl actress from the '95 Condor Heroes, had already been released.
However, the media truly had no interest in these two, largely because they were both so adept at packaging themselves.
But there was no one else to interview, and these two chose to hold their press conferences on the same day, so the media had to make do.
Thus, the next day, there was a headline that made Li Chen nearly choke on his food.
“Celebrity CEO Yang Zi appeared at the Sanxia Cactus Resort Hotel on the 11th for an interview.”
When Li Chen saw this headline, the words “Sanxia Cactus Hotel” made the deepest impression on him.
Anyone who didn't know better would think this Cactus Hotel was calling it quits!
Compared to Yang Zi, who somewhat ‘embarrassedly’ told the media, “I know everyone is tired of such frequent promotions, etc.”
Song Da Zui was even more shameless.
“What Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival? I don’t think much of it. I came to Sanxia only because of you lovely reporters here.”
Listen to that! He was clearly there to promote his New Year Film Season film, Yang Decai Seeks a Partner, but he insisted it was because of the lovely reporters.
It wasn't until Li Bingbing rushed over, dusty from her journey, having taken leave from the painted skin crew, that the vast majority of media reporters were saved.
When Li Bingbing came, she had asked Li Chen for two days off; she was merely going through the motions.
The box office for her film 'Waiting Alone' with Xia Yu, released in mid-September, was dismal, less than 2 million.
Li Bingbing also knew that the Golden Rooster Awards nomination was just a formality.
To say that 'Waiting Alone' stood out among many excellent works was pure self-deception.
At the request of media reporters, Li Xue even specially prepared a press conference for her sister at the hotel.
The next day, the closing ceremony red carpet finally arrived, and there was at least some star power.
“Fan Xiaopang Goes Bare-backed and Nude, Challenging the Limits of Sexiness,” “Jackie Chan Kisses a Chicken in Public,” “super girl He Jie ‘Falls’ Twice on the Red Carpet,”
“Golden-haired Lion King Liu Xiaoqing Flashes on the Red Carpet,” “Li Xiaolu Appears Sexy in a Low-cut Gauze Dress,” “Ma Yili Dares to Show Her Snow-white Skin in a Low-cut Red Dress.”
The Sina Golden Rooster Awards special section, with all sorts of unconventional and eye-catching headlines, seemed to be stimulated.
It was truly tough for Sina; as the exclusive live broadcast portal for this year's Golden Rooster Awards, without these eye-catching headlines, this year's Golden Rooster Awards would probably have received even less attention.
However, among these people, only Fan Xiaopang was truly associated with sexiness.
Besides Fan Xiaopang, Li Chen only glanced at two others.
The others really weren't worth looking at.
In the current environment, Fan Xiaopang's silver-black bare-back dress was indeed bold and attention-grabbing.
She already had the demeanor of a red carpet queen.
The final awards for Best Actor and Actress were presented to Jackie Chan and Jin Yaqin amidst gasps of admiration.
Among the many prominent domestic directors, only Lu Taro attended.
cocosilili won Best Picture.
But that didn't stop Lu Taro from feasting on the Golden Rooster Awards' meat and tearing down its nest.
“The Golden Horse Awards are worth learning from for the Golden Rooster Awards; the biggest fear for a film festival is indifference.”
One wonders what the Golden Rooster Awards judges were thinking, and if they regretted giving the award to cocosilili.
Compared to the Golden Rooster Awards, Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards were star-studded.
Aaron Kwok, Miriam Yeung, Gigi Leung, Fann Wong, Shu Qi, Chang Chen, Charlie Yeung, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Nick Cheung, Sheren Tang, Johnnie To, and many other filmmakers made appearances.
father's love is like a mountain received eight nominations at the Golden Horse Awards and won four.
It won Best Supporting Actress (Sheren Tang), Best Original Screenplay (Li Chen), Best Director (Gordon Chan), and Best Original Score (Wang Sheng) four awards.
Not winning Best Actor left Nick Cheung a bit disappointed.
The key was losing to the Dance King among the Four Heavenly Kings, which probably not only upset Nick Cheung but also Tony Leung Ka-fai.
The Best Picture award still went to Stephen Chow's Kung Fu Hustle.
Stephen Chow's Kung Fu Hustle was indeed impressive; even without his presence, he still won a major award.
This year's Golden Horse Awards was a big victory for Hong Kong films, and it also highlighted the decline of Taiwanese cinema.
“Rongchen Film and Television’s production, ‘lost in thailand,’ directed by Director Xu Zheng, has recently obtained its screening license. The film is scheduled for release on January 23rd, where it will compete with fearless.”
As soon as this news broke, everyone felt that Xu Zheng was overly confident for having directed a nightclub film.
Li Chen was also arrogant, allowing Xu Zheng to act recklessly.
Li Chen didn't think so; Xu Zheng had consulted Li Chen for his opinion.
Li Chen thought about it and still suggested placing it at the end of the New Year Film Season to connect with the Spring Festival Film Season.
At this time, the Spring Festival Film Season was still a half-baked affair, not nearly as popular as it would become later.
And the comedy genre of lost in thailand was more suitable for these two film seasons than fearless.
Competing at the same time, even if he lost, Xu Zheng wouldn't be embarrassed.
After all, he was up against Jet Li.
On November 22nd, the painted skin crew was a guest on Six Princess.
The host asked many questions that movie fans were concerned about, and Li Chen responded to each one.
“Director Li, what prompted you to want to make painted skin? We all know that there have been three previous versions of painted skin. How is your version different from the previous three?” the host asked with a smile.
The main actors of painted skin sat in the studio with smiles on their faces.
After a tour around the country, the main actors had already felt the immense enthusiasm of movie fans, and their confidence in the New Year Film Season box office battle grew.
Li Chen leaned back relaxed in his seat, smiling as if chatting casually, “I wanted to make painted skin because I personally enjoy strange tales like those in Liaozhai.”
“But I also wanted to create something different, to make painted skin break free from the fixed mindset of ghosts and horror.”
“So, this painted skin came to be. As for being different? You just need to look at the main actors to know!”
“With their looks, choosing them to act wouldn't scare away the audience, would it?”
The main actors all laughed.
The host also smiled, “Director Li is truly humorous.”
“The domestic box office for father's love is like a mountain has now surpassed 130 million, ranking first on this year’s box office chart. It can be said to be a double harvest of reputation and box office.”
“Some say father's love is like a mountain is the progenitor of new crime genre films, while others don't recognize father's love is like a mountain. What are your thoughts?”
The main actors all looked at Li Chen; many people had asked this question along the way, but Li Chen had not answered.
They wondered if he would give face to Six Princess today.
Li Chen paused before saying, “Many people have asked me this question. Since you’ve asked it today, I’ll give a unified answer here.”
“For a film, box office and reputation don’t represent everything.”
“Although the ending of father's love is like a mountain was highly controversial, and I received a lot of criticism, I don't regret it.”
“As a filmmaker, my job is to bring stories from life to the big screen in an artistic form.”
“Whether I’m criticized or praised, to me, it’s not important!”
“For Chinese cinema to have a place in the world film arena, it must allow a Hundred Flowers to bloom and tolerate different voices.”
“Therefore, Rongchen Film and Television will remain true to its original aspiration and make films with dedication.”
The cast of painted skin and the staff of Six Princess in the studio applauded Li Chen.
After the show, a representative from Six Princess came up and smiled, “Director Li, father's love is like a mountain is wonderful. Our film channel hopes to purchase it.”
Three days later, the interview with the painted skin crew on Six Princess was released.
Netizens praised Li Chen one after another.
“Director Li said it well, to go global, you have to be inclusive. You can't always talk about ancient Chinese to foreigners, can you?!”
“It's the twenty-first century, and some people are still living in their dreams. They make things that their own people don't even watch, and they don't reflect on it!”
“The looks of the main actors in painted skin give me the courage to go into the cinema. The painted skin films of the last century were truly hard to describe.”
With the end of the last promotional stop for painted skin, all that remained was the painted skin Premiere on the 28th.
