nucmednet Chapter 7: As long as it's better than Tsinghua University.
Chapter 7: As long as it's better than Tsinghua University.
After the short film was shot, Zhang Jun still needed to do post-production work.
Photographer Li Dahui introduced a post-production studio.
When the post-production studio heard that it was a submission from Tsinghua University, they didn't even charge them money. They only asked that a thank-you note be added to the end credits, which was a way of giving their own post-production studio a good beating.
Being able to connect with Tsinghua University is a rare opportunity. Having a sign announcing the collaboration with Tsinghua University hanging outside the studio will instantly elevate its prestige.
From this perspective, Zhang Jun was indeed enjoying the advantages of being a student at Tsinghua University, using the school's social status to avoid a lot of trouble.
After post-production was completed, Ye Xiaoyi had spent almost all the funds she had raised. With the last bit of money left, Ye Xiaoyi treated everyone to a hot pot meal.
The atmosphere inside the hot pot restaurant was lively. The main actors Zhao Liangchen, Lao Hu, Aunt Qian, and Wu Yao were all there, along with many classmates who came to help.
Photographer Li Dahui and lighting technician Wang Guoqiang also came. It was quite a surreal experience for the two of them to participate in a student's project for the first time.
Although they haven't seen the final product, the two believe that based on the on-site shooting results, the short film will definitely be a success and may even win international awards.
We are in the early stages of commercial filmmaking, and there is still aspiration for the so-called three major international awards and the Oscars.
If you could bring one back, your net worth would increase many times over!
I just don't know if Zhang Jun is interested in this.
Zhang Jun also approached the two men for a chat: "Old Li, Old Wang, you two are quite capable. Would you be interested in collaborating with me long-term?"
Li Dahui was confused and asked, "Director Zhang, what do you mean?"
"As you can probably tell, I'm preparing to enter the film and television industry."
Zhang Jun explained, "A top-notch director will always have a long-term collaborative team. This saves the team the trouble of getting to know each other when filming a new movie."
I believe you both have the potential to become the best talents in the industry. I, Zhang Jun, can't guarantee anything else, but if you work with me, I will definitely bring you both fame and fortune.
The two exchanged a glance, both seeing the hesitation in each other.
Although Director Zhang's short films are quite impressive and he seems capable, the concepts of feature films and short films are very different. It remains to be seen whether the young director Zhang can handle the task.
Moreover, ability is one aspect, but the most important thing is whether you can get the opportunity to direct; that's the key.
Finally, Wang Guoqiang said, "Director Zhang, this is a huge matter. Please allow us to consider it."
"No problem, call me when you've made up your mind!"
Zhang Jun didn't urge them, and toasted with the two: "Wishing us success in our cooperation..."
Back with Lao Hu, Zhang Jun said to him again, "Class advisor, do you still think I'm just fooling around?"
"I admit I was a bit narrow-minded!"
Old Hu was quite straightforward: "But you need to think this through carefully, this path isn't going to be easy."
"I've thought it through very clearly."
Zhang Jun's gaze was resolute: "Since we're already here, wouldn't it be a wasted trip if we didn't etch our names into the history of Chinese-language cinema?"
Old Hu shook his head and stopped trying to dissuade him.
A voice inside him told him that this kid might actually succeed.
Finally, regarding Ye Xiaoyi, Zhang Jun was still very grateful to this naive girl who gave him a chance to start his career.
"Junior Sister Ye, when I achieve great success in the future, the first person I will thank is you. Without you, there would be no me."
Ye Xiaoyi blushed: "Senior, what are you talking about? I should be thanking you!"
"If it weren't for you, our film association wouldn't have been able to produce such a great work."
Zhang Jun had also heard that Ye Xiaoyi's family was very wealthy, and it seemed that her father was a real estate businessman. This was an opportunity.
So, taking advantage of the situation, he continued his charade: "Junior Sister Ye, I have a suggestion. I wonder if you'd be interested?"
"What suggestion?" Ye Xiaoyi's curiosity was piqued.
Zhang Jun began his persuasive tactics: "After observing you for the past few days, I've discovered that you have a great talent for production and a strong interest in film."
"Why don't you become my producer, and we can start a business together?"
Ye Xiaoyi has absolutely no talent for film production. Zhang Jun is just trying to swindle funding for his first feature film from this rich young woman, Ye Xiaoyi.
He originally planned to fool the coal mine owner, but later realized that there was no need to go to such lengths; the well-protected young rich woman in front of him was a perfect target for his deception.
Before Ye Xiaoyi could even process what was happening, Zhang Jun continued to bewitch her: "You know Zhang Weiping, right? He's a producer for a certain director."
If you work with me, you'll become a producer as famous as him in the future. At that time, countless handsome actors will fawn over you, and you can sleep with whomever you want.
Think about it. Let me know when you have an idea.
After saying that, Zhang Jun left Ye Xiaoyi to think alone and went to socialize with the students at other tables.
These Tsinghua University students will go on to work in various industries in the future, and they will all have connections. If any of them become big shots, it will be even more profitable.
Ye Xiaoyi pondered Zhang Jun's words and quickly realized what he meant.
"Wait a minute... He said I could be Zhang Weiping, so isn't he comparing himself to director Zhang Yimou?"
Also, what does "潜谁" mean?
Ye Xiaoyi discovered that Zhang Jun's ambitions were so great and so arrogant.
The dinner party ended, and Hou Yu, the instructor for the short film, returned from Sanya. He had heard about what had happened at school, so he immediately inquired about the short film upon his return.
To be honest, as the instructor, Hou Yu didn't care much about this short film for the competition; otherwise, he wouldn't have gone to participate in any forums.
But if this short film is really as good as Professor Li said, it would also be a political achievement for Hou Yu.
He is now an associate professor, and if the short film wins an award, it will help him get promoted to professor, so he rushed back in a hurry.
Hou Yu was very happy after watching the completed short film in the school's small auditorium, because the quality of the finished film was indeed very good.
Although he is not a professional in the film and television industry, as an associate professor of art history and theory at the Academy of Fine Arts of Tsinghua University, he still has the ability to appreciate art.
Zhang Jun didn't react much to Hou Yu's hurried return to claim credit.
Seeking political achievements also means taking on responsibility, a responsibility that neither he nor Ye Xiaoyi can handle; it really has to be Hou Yu.
Since he was both the screenwriter and director, no one can ignore his contribution to this short film.
"Zhang Jun, right? I've heard about it. You wrote and directed this short film. Tsinghua University really has a lot of talented people!" Hou Yu praised.
"Teacher, you're too kind! This is all thanks to the hard work of the students in the Film Association. Everyone has made a great contribution."
Although there was no reaction, Zhang Jun did not forget to subtly mock Hou Yu.
Hou Yu seemed not to understand, his face crinkling with laughter: "Thank you all for your hard work. I will talk to the school and ask for commendations for everyone."
Ye Xiaoyi, who was standing to the side, said, "Teacher Hou, this short film is all thanks to senior Zhang Jun. Without him, we wouldn't have been able to produce such a good work."
It's about the short film competition right now...
"No problem, I'll submit our work to the competition right away. As one of the top universities in China, Tsinghua University should actively participate in social activities."
Hou Yu took full responsibility: "You guys just focus on doing the remaining work well and try to win the award."
With Hou Yu handling the administrative issues, the students don't need to rack their brains.
After Hou Yu left, Ye Xiaoyi immediately apologized to Zhang Jun: "I'm sorry, senior, I didn't expect Teacher Hou to..."
"What didn't you think of?"
Zhang Jun said nonchalantly, "The supervising teacher has the right to inquire, and besides, Professor Hou's involvement can save us a lot of trouble."
He paused, then looked at Ye Xiaoyi with a half-smile: "But you've surprised me. I thought you were a silly girl, but I didn't expect you to have some intelligence."
Ye Xiaoyi's face immediately turned red with anger, and she called out in dissatisfaction, "Senior~"
"Why!"
Ye Xiaoyi was furious and embarrassed. She tried to punch Zhang Jun with her little fists, but she could only hit his chest. It looked like she was just being coquettish.
The 11th Beijing College Student Film Festival had 28 universities participating, with Tsinghua University and Peking University, as top universities in China, also participating in the short film competition section of the festival.
Besides producing its own short film for the competition, Peking University next door is also paying attention to the situation at Tsinghua University next door.
Peking University's film club doesn't care whether their entries can beat those from other schools; they consider it a victory as long as they can beat Tsinghua University.
Inside the Peking University Film Club, instructor Chen Zhizhong, club president Huang Xiwen, and several core members watched their competition entries together.
After watching it, they discussed the effect of the short film with each other.
"Teacher Chen, what do you think of our short film?" Huang Xiwen asked expectantly.
Chen Zhizhong nodded in satisfaction: "Very good. Through the story of a mother and son, it reflects the responsibilities of society, family, and individuals. It's very profound."
Huang Xiwen was delighted to hear this: "That's great! Our short film will definitely be better than Tsinghua University's."
Just then, the students who went to Tsinghua University to gather information returned.
"Teacher Chen, President, I've gathered quite a bit of information."
This student recounted what happened at the Tsinghua University Film Association, but it was only a general account.
After hearing this, Huang Xiwen was even less worried: "A senior astronomy student who is about to graduate is participating in this kind of activity? I think Tsinghua University is just grasping at straws in desperation."
As a teacher, Chen Zhizhong remained composed: "You can't say that. If the short film is really good, it will also be a problem for us."
Huang Xiwen said confidently, "Don't worry, teacher. We've hired professionals to oversee the process. It's definitely better than Tsinghua University's."
It turns out that Peking University had played a trick, inviting a teacher from the Central Academy of Drama as an advisor to help them complete the short film.
Since this was the first time such a short film competition had been held, the organizing committee's rules and regulations had many loopholes. For example, the practice of seeking guidance from professionals was, in principle, not allowed.
However, this is a minor issue; ultimately, it depends on the quality of the short film.
But if someone tries to use connections and backdoors, the outcome will be different.