Nobody knows movies better than me

Chapter 56 Mutual Benefit

Just as Feng Xiaogang is important to Huayi Brothers, Zhang Jun is equally important to the new company, Guanzhi Pictures.

Previously, because of the matter involving those intellectuals, Zhang Jun had specifically called Feng Dapao to express his gratitude.

Without Feng Xiaogang, Tsinghua University would have had to take the game. That would have been exciting, but the outcome wouldn't have been so pleasant.

However, due to Feng Dapao's unexpected intervention, the firepower of those cultural figures was diverted, and no one paid attention to whether Zhang Jun and his film were bad or not.

Feng Dapao also told Zhang Jun on the phone, "I also want to thank you for not coming to Huayi Brothers and taking my job!"

Zhang Jun laughed and said, "Director Feng, who can take your job? You're the number one commercial filmmaker in mainland China."

These words made Feng Dapao feel extremely comfortable, and since they came from Zhang Jun, they were even more extraordinary.

First, Zhang Jun has a high level of education; second, he is an accomplished young director. Being praised by someone like that must be very satisfying.

In fact, Huayi Brothers offered quite good terms, but his importance can only be truly demonstrated at Guanzhi Pictures.

Here, he's the boss as a director, but if he went to Huayi Brothers, he'd probably become the third, fourth, or fifth.

He has no shortage of investors now, so there's no need for him to get involved in the mess at Huayi Brothers.

Fan Bingbing is not in Beijing at the moment. She just released her first solo album, "Just Beginning," and sent several copies to Zhang Jun, which included her beautiful photo album.

However, Zhang Jun listened to this album and felt it was just so-so.

Chen Kun at least has a song called "Half Moon".

None of the tracks on "Just Beginning" are as good as "Half Moon Serenade." It's more of an album released to follow the trend and jump on the bandwagon.

Moreover, celebrities of this era emphasize all-round development. There are many stars who make movies, act in TV series, and release albums, which is also a way to make money.

Moreover, it's much easier to participate in commercial activities after releasing an album; at least you have your own song to sing, so it won't be awkward anymore.

In addition, Fan Bingbing also took on a film called "A Battle of Wits".

This film, a co-production between China, Japan, and South Korea, was spearheaded by Huayi Brothers and stars Andy Lau and South Korean actor Ahn Sung-ki, with Fan Bingbing playing the female lead, Yi Yue.

In addition, there are a host of star actors such as Wu Qilong, Choi Siwon, and Wang Zhiwen, making for a strong lineup.

Fan Bingbing called Zhang Jun to boast, "Look, even if you don't choose me as the female lead, plenty of others will. That shows how popular I am."

Zhang Jun said, "Congratulations, Fan, the lead actor! This movie has a huge budget, and I have high hopes for you."

"snort!"

Fan Bingbing is very poised and confident in public, but she acts like a little woman in front of Zhang Jun.

"Don't try to seduce other beauties while I'm gone. I've heard that Gao Yuanyuan comes to see you often, hasn't she?" Fan Pangbing questioned.

"You know that?"

Zhang Jun pretended to be flustered, then regained his composure: "It's just a few meals, nothing serious."

"Who would believe your nonsense? Do you think I can't see through it?"

Fan Bingbing was a little angry: "She appears to be a virtuous wife and loving mother on the surface, but I know her true nature better than anyone else."

She wouldn't let go of a high-quality stock like you.

That's true. Gao Yuanyuan has hinted at it many times in her recent dinners with Zhang Jun.

She just didn't have Fan Bingbing's courage, and Zhang Jun didn't seem to be planning to develop a long-term, one-sided relationship, otherwise he would have succeeded long ago.

Fan Pangbing was just complaining, reminding Zhang Jun that she still existed, but in reality, she couldn't control what Zhang Jun wanted to do.

She just hoped that Zhang Jun wouldn't forget about her and ignore her.

After exchanging pleasantries about their "feelings" and engaging in some flirtatious phone conversations, stirring up their respective tempers, they finally took a break.

As May approached, the production of "About Time" was basically completed and submitted for review. Zhang Jun also edited out several trailers, intending to use them for promotional purposes.

However, as May arrived, another important event occurred: Tsinghua University received good news regarding its application to the Cannes Film Festival, with its film "Andhadhun" being nominated.

Unlike the Berlin and Venice Film Festivals, the Cannes Film Festival has a short film competition section.

Although "Andhadhun" had previously participated in the Beijing College Student Film Festival, the Beijing College Student Film Festival is not an A-list film festival, so it is eligible to participate in the Cannes Film Festival.

Tsinghua University took this very seriously, as it was a great opportunity to win international honors and gain recognition for the school, so Zhang Jun was also called back.

In Hou Yu's office, Hou Yu said to Zhang Jun and Ye Xiaoyi, "The school plans to send representatives to the Cannes Film Festival this time. I'm the team leader, so you two will come with me!"

Before Ye Xiaoyi could say anything, Zhang Jun agreed: "Thank you, Teacher Hou. Since it's about bringing honor to the school, it's my duty."

Hou Yu was very satisfied: "Zhang Jun, the school values ​​you highly. You are a cultural talent that our school has produced."

Go out and explore with confidence. Don't hesitate to ask for help; the school will always be your support.

Hou Yu was referring to the incident where those intellectuals criticized Zhang Jun, and Tsinghua University almost intervened.

Although it was ultimately not used, it still demonstrated to the outside world the importance they placed on Zhang Jun.

This relationship is actually mutually beneficial; Zhang Jun can bring prestige to the school, and perhaps even international prestige.

Therefore, the school should also reciprocate by providing assistance to Zhang Jun within a certain scope, so that he is not bullied by those people in the entertainment industry.

Zhang Jun naturally understood this as well: "Teacher Hou, I promise that I will make the school proud of me in the future."

"Good, it's good that you have this ambition."

Hou Yu began to focus on specifics: "You know more about film than I do. Do you think we can win an award this time?"

Zhang Jun has already seen the detailed list of judges, and only one of them, John Woo, is a Chinese director. However, since returning from Hollywood, John Woo has always wanted to develop his career in mainland China.

Therefore, Zhang Jun suggested, "I think the school should try to open a channel with director Wu Yuseng. He has always wanted to develop his career in mainland China and would give Tsinghua University some face."

With his support on the jury's side, even if we don't win the Palme d'Or for Best Short Film, winning a Special Jury Prize or the Best First Short Film Award shouldn't be a problem.

Hou Yu frowned and said, "That's an insurance policy, but he's from Hong Kong. Aren't there any short films from Hong Kong that want to participate?"

Zhang Jun said, "The film competing from Hong Kong Island this year is 'Election,' a feature film directed by Du Qifeng, which has no direct competition with our short film."

The only thing we need to pay attention to are those short films from abroad.

"good!"

Hou Yu accepted Zhang Jun's suggestion: "I'll handle this. First, I'll visit Director Wu Yuseng in Hong Kong and ask him for his support."

You two should also be ready to come to Cannes with me anytime!

"Okay, teacher."

After leaving Hou Yu's place, Zhang Jun and Ye Xiaoyi strolled around the campus of Tsinghua University.

Ye Xiaoyi asked Zhang Jun, "Senior, weren't you uninterested in the three major awards? Why are you so enthusiastic this time?"

Zhang Jun expressed his helplessness: "It's due to the circumstances. Nowadays, everyone still values ​​these messy awards, and the school also needs this honor."

If it benefits me, of course I'll be more proactive.

"Will you make films specifically to win awards abroad in the future?" Ye Xiaoyi asked.

Zhang Jun shrugged: "Probably not. My main focus is on commercial films, and film festivals don't really like that kind of thing."

Hearing Zhang Jun say this, Ye Xiaoyi felt much more at ease.