Chapter 219 Zhou Qing Studio's fifth signed artist, this time the target is Cannes
On February 2, the 18th Berlin Film Festival came to a close, and the relevant award-winning information was quickly reported back to China.
The entire industry seemed very excited that Chinese-language films had made some achievements this time and did not return empty-handed.
Director Wang Xiaoshuai won the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay for "Left and Right".
Although it is only the Best Screenplay Award, it is still the Silver Bear in the main competition unit.
"After winning the Golden Bear for Tuya's Wedding, Wang Xiaoshuai won the Silver Bear again, bringing glory to the country."
"The Chinese film "Left and Right" won a Silver Bear in Berlin, and director Wang Xiaoshuai happily kissed the trophy."
There is another round of praise, needless to say, after all, the weight of the three major ones is there.
As for another Chinese-language film that was also nominated, "The Sparrow" directed by Du Qifeng, it again failed to win any awards.
Speaking of which, Du Qifeng is quite persistent about the three major European cinemas and has been sending films to them tirelessly.
But unfortunately, with the police, gangster and other films he shot, it is impossible for him to win any awards.
However, looking at Du Qifeng's career, although he did not win any awards, his record in the three major competitions was still pretty good.
It was nominated twice at the Berlin Film Festival, three times at the Venice Film Festival, and twice at the Cannes Film Festival, all in the main competition unit.
He is better than many art film directors who specialize in making award-winning films.
"If you go, you will definitely win more than just the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay, right?"
Huang Bo spoke confidently beside Zhou Qing.
It wasn't that he was deliberately trying to flatter Zhou Qing. After all, Zhou Qing's record among the three major forces was indeed there for everyone to see.
At least Best Director.
"This assumption is meaningless. I didn't go to this session, right?"
Zhou Qing smiled lightly and responded casually.
However, Zhou Qing actually agreed with what Huang Bo said.
It’s not that Zhou Qing is too conceited, he is just a cheater.
Not only does he have the huge advantage of foresight, but his directing and screenwriting skills are also at the maximum level.
If this can't even win a prize higher than the Best Screenplay award, then Zhou Qing should really buy a piece of tofu and kill himself.
It is also worth mentioning that Zhou Qing is not only a director and screenwriter, his acting skills are also top notch.
That’s right, Zhou Qing is now also a potential top movie actor.
In other words, Zhou Qing did not go to act. If he had really acted, it would have been absolutely jaw-dropping.
"Isn't this what you are talking about?"
Huang Bo curled his lips, then stared at Zhou Qing with interest, "But Qingzi, do you still plan to try your luck at the Big Three again?"
You have to know that Zhou Qing’s rise is closely related to the three major European countries.
It can even be said that Zhou Qing became famous by winning awards at the three major competitions.
Four consecutive films and four consecutive trophies have completely established Zhou Qing's status in the country.
It also gave Zhou Qing a certain weight in the international arena.
However, after "The Hearing Girl", Zhou Qing shot two films in a row, both of which were purely commercial films. I wonder if he still has the intention to continue to impact the top three.
“I haven’t really thought about this question.”
Zhou Qing shook his head and told the truth.
"Now You See Me" has just been released not long ago, and Zhou Qing has indeed not thought carefully about what to shoot in the new film.
But one thing is certain.
Even if he makes another award-winning film, it will definitely not be in Berlin or Venice, but in Cannes.
There is no other reason. After completing Berlin and Venice, Zhou Qing is naturally not that interested in them anymore.
But for Zhou Qing, Cannes is still an unconquered mountain!
Jiang Wei has already started the preparations for "The Hidden Corner" in full swing and is full of enthusiasm.
Zhou Qing also kept his word. Apart from appointing Zhu Yawen and Zhao Liying, he had no intention of interfering in other matters.
At most, when the filming starts, we can just send a producer over and that’s it.
Just like the projects he invested in such as "Lost on Journey" and "Ip Man", the main focus is to save time and effort.
Isn't this the advantage of being a reborn person with foresight?
Zhou Qing quickly put Jiang Wei's matter behind him and started thinking about other things.
whats the matter?
For example, signing Lu Yang.
In fact, Zhou Qing had this idea when he met Lu Yang at Tianzhuang’s house a few days ago.
After all, he has so many good scripts in his mind that he definitely cannot finish shooting them all by himself, so he will definitely have to find other directors to shoot them.
In that case, why not sign some potential directors to work for you?
Lu Yang's words are undoubtedly the best choice.
First, Lu Yang is a graduate student of the directing department of Beijing Film Academy and has received systematic professional education.
There is absolutely no problem with professionalism.
As of now, maybe it’s just a lack of experience.
But experience and other things are secondary. The most important thing is that Zhou Qing saw Lu Yang's potential.
You know, he is also a very talented director.
The other party's debut film "Blind Cinema" was actually shot very roughly due to cost constraints.
But the overall quality is pretty good.
Not only did it receive a 6.8 rating on Douban, it also won an award at the Busan Film Festival.
Jin Shijie was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Rooster Awards.
For a debut film, this is already very impressive.
As for Lu Yang's famous work "The Blade of the Assassin", it goes without saying that it is a masterpiece overall.
"Assassination of Novelist", "Wind from Longxi", etc. are all very good.
What's even more rare?
Lu Yang has a wide range of acting skills. He can shoot feature films, martial arts films, fantasy action films, and is a true all-rounder.
Besides, he is just a newcomer now, so it is just right for him to sign me up and work for him.
"Ok, deal!"
The more Zhou Qing thought about it, the more feasible it seemed to him, so he made the decision happily.
"Brother Luyang."
Zhou Qing made up his mind and called Lu Yang right away.
After some pleasantries, he invited the other party to his studio to chat.
Although Lu Yang didn't understand what Zhou Qing meant for the time being, he was a little nervous.
But he still made time three days later and came to Zhou Qing.
"Brother, I won't beat around the bush. Actually, I asked you to come here this time mainly because I think highly of you and want to sign you. What do you think?"
After a while of pleasantries, Zhou Qing decided not to beat around the bush with Lu Yang and told him his purpose.
???
A series of question marks popped up on Lu Yang's forehead, and he was extremely surprised by this.
He was so surprised that he was visibly stunned for a few seconds.
How could a new director like me, who is at the bottom of the social ladder and has no works at all, be noticed by the top director in the industry?
If it weren't for the serious look on Zhou Qing's face, Lu Yang would have wanted to ask if he was joking.
"Let me sort this out for a minute. You want me to be a contracted director of your studio?"
Despite this, Lu Yang still confirmed it with Zhou Qing again and again.
After all, this matter is indeed somewhat unexpected at first glance.
"Yes, that's what I meant. What do you think, brother?" Zhou Qing smiled and gave a very affirmative answer.
"Can I do it? I've only been an executive director so far and have never actually directed a movie."
It would be a lie for Lu Yang to say that he wasn't moved, but at this moment he was more self-doubting and lacking in confidence.
"Of course you can. If you can't, why would I sign you?"
Zhou Qing said as a matter of course.
"But I have no experience as a director..."
"It doesn't matter. You will be the executive director of my next movie. After that, I will write a script for you to shoot."
Zhou Qing's casual words left Lu Yang speechless.
opportunity!
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Lu Yang felt his heart begin to beat faster and faster than usual.
Be Director Zhou’s executive director and shoot Director Zhou’s script!
Wow, this is something that only happens in dreams, right?
But now, it has hit me hard on the head!
"Senior Brother Lu Yang..."
"I'll sign it! I can sign it right now!"
After Lu Yang regained his composure, he seized the opportunity and gave a resounding answer.
Zhou Qing, who was sitting opposite Lu Yang, couldn't help but smile.
This result was not unexpected by Zhou Qing.
Lu Yang is now just an unknown little person who has nothing.
How could you miss the olive branch thrown by a big shot like Zhou Qing?
Swish swish!
Half an hour later, both parties had communicated almost everything they needed to communicate and officially entered into the signing phase.
Lu Yang signed his name on the contract page with a stroke of his pen.
"Brother, welcome to join us!"
Zhou Qing extended his hand to Lu Yang with a smile on his face.
Snapped!
The two hands of friendship were happily held together.
"Welcome, Director Lu. Please look for me more often when you are filming in the future."
Huang Bo also came over with a grin on his face to join in the fun.
On February 2, "Now You See Me" was officially released in North America, and Crown Pictures was the first to tell Zhou Qing the news.
However, the statistical method used by theaters in North America is different from that in China. They count once a week.
So for the time being, Zhou Qing cannot get the North American box office data.
However, Zhou Qing still knew about some other corresponding situations.
"Currently, Now You See Me is showing in 35 theaters, and judging by the attendance, the momentum is still very good."
"Director Zhou, I believe that Now You See Me will do well at the North American box office."
I can only say that it is convenient to have a film and television company in North America, and a lot of information can be obtained easily and directly.
"35 theaters? Not bad."
Zhou Qing couldn't help but nodded with satisfaction at Director Yang's report.
Although 35 theaters may seem like a small number, it is actually a lot.
That's the style over there.
After all, "Now You See Me" is a film imported from China, not a mainstream North American film.
You should know that Li An's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" was only screened in 16 theaters when it was first released, and Stephen Chow's "Kung Fu" was even worse, with only 7 theaters.
These are all experimental screenings. If the response is good, the scale of screening will definitely be expanded.
Needless to say, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" won an Oscar and the number of theaters showing the film quickly increased to more than 2000.
The screening effect of "Kung Fu" was quite good, and the number of theaters eventually increased to 2503.
It earned 1700 million US dollars in North America.
Compared with these two movies, the screening of "Now You See Me" in 35 theaters is already a good start.
This is because of the authentic Hollywood style of "Now You See Me".
But no matter what the reason is, the fact that it is screened in 35 theaters also reflects that "Now You See Me" is indeed gaining momentum in North America.
Compared with other Chinese-language films, it is more favored by the market.
Zhou Qing can be said to be increasingly looking forward to the North American box office of Now You See Me.
"Director Zhou!"
"Aoko!"
In order to bring some popularity to "Love Is Not Blind", Zhou Qing took time out at the end of the month to visit the set.
Xue Xiaolu stopped filming specifically for this purpose, and together with the main creators, specially received Zhou Qing.
"Teacher Xue, how is Lao Zhu doing? If he's not doing well, feel free to scold him."
Zhou Qing smiled and made fun of Zhu Yawen in front of Xue Xiaolu.
"You bastard, you only know how to slander me. Why am I not behaving well?"
Zhu Yawen launched a righteous accusation against Zhou Qing.
Tang Yan, Zu Feng, Liu Yajun and others on the side were so envious when they saw Zhu Yawen and Zhou Qing chatting and playing.
Zhu Yawen is so lucky to have a classmate like Director Zhou and to have such a good relationship with Director Zhou.
Everyone knows that the leading actor of this movie is Zhu Yawen, who was chosen by Director Zhou!
Not to mention that Zhu Yawen has just starred in two blockbuster films directed by Zhou.
"Yawen's acting is very good. He is a talented actor now."
Xue Xiaolu laughed on the side.
"Yawen's acting skills are much better than mine. I often ask Yawen for advice on acting on the set."
Tang Yan immediately interrupted and laughed, not knowing whether it was true or not.
"It's said that actors come from the Central Academy of Drama, and stars come from the Beijing Film Academy. Tang Yan, you can't be outdone by the Beijing Film Academy."
Zhou Qing also laughed.
The scene was filled with laughter and joy, it was very lively.
"Teacher Xue, when will the film be finished?"
After chatting for a while, Zhou Qing asked Xue Xiaolu this question.
"According to the current shooting progress, we will be able to wrap up by the end of next month."
Xue Xiaolu thought for a moment and said to Zhou Qing.
Zhou Qing nodded without saying anything more.
In fact, this progress is relatively slow. After all, the scale of "Love Is Not Blind" is really small.
But considering that this was Xue Xiaolu's first time as a director, it was understandable that she would be a little slow, so Zhou Qing naturally wouldn't say much.
"Director Zhou, Director Xue, it's almost time. Can we start the interview?"
The assistant director's voice interrupted everyone and caught everyone's attention.
That’s right, since he came here to create hype, Zhou Qing naturally contacted the media during his visit.
"The filming of the movie "Love Is Not Blind" is more than halfway through, and the producer and screenwriter Director Zhou Qing showed up to visit the set."
"Director Zhou Qing made a high-profile visit to the set of Love Is Not Blind, saying the film would be a surprise."
"Director Xue Xiaolu and Zhu Yawen's 'Love Is Not Blind' is open for visits, and Director Zhou Qing is here."
The result is unquestionable. The popularity of "Love Is Not Blind" has risen immediately. (End of this chapter)