Xue Xiaolu, Jiang Wei, Yi Li, Cao Baoping

After hanging up the phone, He Yi'an glanced at the calendar.

2004 2 Month 15 Day.

There are still about two weeks until the Oscars ceremony.

This year's Oscars will be held on February 29th. Films under He Yi'an's name or invested in by his company, such as "Crash," "Little Miss Sunshine," and "A Separation," are all competing for the Oscars.

According to Stacey, at this stage, all nominees are certain to be nominated.

However, if there are any further desires, or if specific awards are to be clarified, then...

This requires attending a series of parties, screenings, and public relations events in Hollywood beforehand.

Stacey's team has already paved the way for them, and they've already spent the money they needed. The next step is to decide whether to continue spending money or if additional funding is required.

This is actually a form of donation.

If you don't want to get too involved with those judges, you either have to keep spending money, accept something else, or just stop and get a nomination.

To be honest, with three films competing at the same time, even if "Crash" was just a raft that was released, the other two still cost a lot of money.

The public relations efforts for "Little Miss Sunshine," focusing on the script and Best Supporting Actress, have already cost nearly $100 million. "A Separation" has spent even more, reaching $150 million.

Those who casually mention spending tens of millions of dollars on public relations simply don't understand the market.

It was only 2004, and the most expensive film of the year, "The Lord of the Rings," which lobbied for over a dozen awards and nominations, only cost around $500-600 million.

The US dollar is very valuable now...

Therefore, He Yi'an's expenditure of around 200 million yuan, although not a lot, is still quite a lot for a single award.

This already represents a certain sunk cost.

Whether or not to continue investing and raise the stakes depends on his decision, and it's also important to understand the strength and arrangements of the opponent's public relations efforts.

He Yi'an's main rival is, of course, that bastard Harvina.

This guy is not only domineering but also petty. He wanted to buy He Yi'an's film rights at a low price in Venice and Cannes, but he didn't even consider him.

That alone made him the target of resentment.

And the last time in Toronto, the Australian white guy ignored him and came looking for He Yi'an, which made him feel even more insulted.

That's how squid are. They don't even need you to actually harm them; as long as you resist or fight against them, they're considered enemies.

In fact, those who do not believe in their gods are heretics.

Heretics are not considered human!

He Yi'an knew that it was impossible to get rid of Harvey at this time.

But things have already come to this point, and stopping at the last minute would feel like stopping short of the goal.

That would be too inconvenient.

With these thoughts in mind, he sent an email to Stacy and Richard, clarifying his position.

There's only one core principle: you don't necessarily have to know how to solve the problems, but you must make a loud sound when you turn the pages.

As for which exam paper he turned to?

That's definitely the strongest contender for the Oscars, the most likely frontrunner for Best Actor and Best Actress: *Crash*!

"I'd like to see if you'll keep putting money in..."

Please visit [website address] to see the latest chapter! Address: dEqixs.oRg...

Besides handling the company's inventory, He Yi'an's more important task upon returning this time was to advance the new project.

Langyuan had already begun preparations for the new TV series project when he handed over the script, outline, and subsequent adaptation direction.

However, there are still no plans for films so far.

Of course, Langyuan doesn't have any film plans at the moment, but that doesn't mean Langyuan didn't have any films released in 2004.

First of all, He Yi'an's "Source Code" should be completed in about six months, which means it should be released around the end of the summer season.

The so-called summer movie season is definitely not a concept in China at this stage.

He Yi'an estimated the time based on the approximate timing of Hollywood's summer movie season.

It actually refers to the period from the end of July to the end of September.

In addition to "The Original Code", Langyuan also has Liu Guonan's second Three Kingdoms series, which he prepared to film last year.

He Yi'an had already filmed part of the second part, and the special effects for the war scenes in the second part had been completed.

Once the remaining dialogue scenes involving Liu Guonan are filmed and edited successfully, the film can be submitted for review and released. He Yi'an estimates that even if the production is delayed until the latest possible date, it should be completed by July or August.

Moreover, there's also Yu Feihong's "Love Comes Again"...

Forget it, love has a next life, so let's not have too high hopes for Yu Feihong's speed.

Even though He Yi'an was not yet clear about Yu Feihong's post-production speed, considering the special effects elements and Yu Feihong's own snail-paced pace,

Even a fool could tell that whether he would be released in 2004 was still a big question mark.

After all, it's already February, and Yu Feihong still hasn't finished filming...

That means that Langyuan actually didn't make any films that were re-launched in 2004.

"Looks like we still need to think of a solution..."

After thinking for a moment, He Yi'an dialed Shu Chang's number.

Shu Chang was surprised and happy that He Yi'an called her personally.

After finding out that she was currently taking the entrance exam for the Beijing Film Academy and had basically passed all the tests, He Yi'an suddenly realized something.

It seems he saw Liu Yifei again two years ago, during the second round of the art college entrance exam. Time really flies; it's been two years already.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Shu Chang, He Yi'an asked her how she was reading the novel "July and An Sheng".

I looked into Shu Chang's schedule, and she's only available from February to May. After May, she'll basically be unavailable until the end of the year.

Because the next TV series that Shu Chang needs to film is one of her most famous roles during her peak period.

That is, the little fox in "The Lotus Lantern".

The filming of TV series is usually quite long, and it's normal for it to take more than half a year to film. After all, Liu Yifei's "The Return of the Condor Heroes" was filmed for nine months.

Of course, this includes three months of training.

These two sisters will basically enter their intense filming period starting in the second half of the year.

In fact, you can tell from the time spent on these shows why most of the dramas at this stage are of relatively higher quality, because the pre-production preparation and necessary training are really done.

This is one of the reasons.

The play "Lotus Lantern" has also extended an invitation to Yan Danchen from Langyuan.

Of course, Yan Danchen's status is different now. Under Langyuan Entertainment, she has secured a leading position in the industry with hit dramas and movies under her belt. Therefore, she is not only being invited to play the role of Chang'e.

Instead, she can choose any female role other than the female lead, Xiaoyu, and regardless of which role she plays, she will still receive the normal salary she is currently receiving, with her listed as a special guest star.

Although fighting over billing order isn't very popular now, these are all imported concepts that came from Hong Kong and Taiwan after they entered the mainland market.

However, the production team was very understanding and gave Yan Danchen ample treatment in advance.

The reason for choosing Yan Danchen is, of course, because Yan Danchen has always been a formally employed actress.

She was only signed to Langyuan as an agent, and she has always worked with CCTV.

So after learning the news, she took the initiative to tell the company and inquire about their arrangements.

When Zhang Jing provided her feedback, He Yi'an and Zhong Lifang were aware of it and did not interfere with her decision.

I don't know if it was because filming "Plot Against" was too tiring, or because she's already a top-tier actress and wants to relax, but anyway, she didn't take on other female roles with large screen time, and instead took on the role of Chang'e...

As a result, it seems that the top female star of Langyuan Company is not quite up to par.

"It seems all we can do is provide some ideas. Next, we'll have the Langyuan screenwriting team write some scripts. We'll probably need to prepare more film scripts..."

He can't possibly write all of them by himself, nor can he film them all. So we'll need to collaborate with more directors in the future.

What we really lack now is directors, not money or scripts.

what!

Speaking of directors to collaborate with, He Yi'an suddenly remembered that the Beijing Film Academy seemed to have suitable directors to work with.

Yup!

He was guarding a treasure trove, and almost forgot about it!

……

Without hesitation, He Yi'an picked up his phone, then found a few scripts, put them in his bag, and left Langyuan Company.

He got into the car and asked the driver to take him directly to the Beijing Film Academy.

The last time he went to school was when he wrote a three-line poem with Liu Yifei, and six months have passed since then.

It's not that he doesn't want to go back to school, it's just that he's been too busy with things since the second half of last year.

Several films are being released both domestically and in Hollywood, and I'm also busy with theater distribution and the acquisition of Jiahe Films. After dealing with all that, I have to go to the set to film, and then remotely manage a bunch of online public opinion and other issues.

Finally, the journey took them from Yunnan Province to Shanghai and then back to Beijing.

I was on the go the whole time, my mind was on edge, and I didn't have time to think about anything else.

Now that he's finally relaxed, he does want to go to the school for a visit.

It wasn't just because I suddenly remembered that I could rely on some teachers at the Beijing Film Academy, but also because I wanted to clear my head.

Meet new faces.

When the car stopped in front of the Beijing Film Academy, the security guard poked his head out and glanced at him: "Oh, Director He is back? You're a rare guest!"

"Uncle Qin, it's been a long time."

He Yi'an greeted the doorman with a smile, after all, they were acquaintances he hadn't seen for several months.

"Is the school busy lately?"

"Busy! Of course I'm busy!"

Grandpa Qin pointed inside with the hand holding his cigarette: "The art exams are happening these days. Today is the last day of the second round of auditions for the acting department. You'll see when you go in. The whole courtyard is full of pretty young girls." He Yi'an certainly knew that today was the art exam, after all, he had just called Shu Chang not long ago.

But the way he said that made it sound like he was there to hunt for women.

Actually, they misunderstood him. Grandpa Qin thought he was there to select actors.

However, He Yi'an did not explain, but instead took out a pack of cigarettes from the back seat and handed it over.

"Uncle Qin, since you like this brand, why don't you try mine to see if it's authentic!"

"Oh, no way! Director He's cigarettes are definitely genuine. Oh, look at my brain! Thank you so much, Director He! I'll open the door for you right away!"

"Thank you so much, Uncle Qin!"

After entering the campus, He Yi'an asked the driver to find a good spot for the car, then got out alone and looked around.

It was definitely much more lively than when he came last summer.

Everywhere were students preparing for the art exams. He Yi'an even spotted Shu Chang in the distance, but didn't go up to say hello.

To avoid causing unnecessary trouble, He Yi'an did not take the main road, but instead followed the tree-lined path next to the teaching building towards the archives.

This road is quieter and less crowded. But he underestimated the current number of students at Beijing Film Academy, and also underestimated his own current reputation there.

When he was still in school, the number of students admitted was not large; it was only in the last two years that the number of students admitted has increased.

Therefore, just because he believes that a place where no one used to come before doesn't mean that no one comes now.

Sure enough, after walking less than fifty meters, a girl with a ponytail seemed to have been observing him for a long time. After confirming his identity, she jogged up from around the corner to meet him.

"Director He...Director He? You must be Director He Yi'an?"

Before He Yi'an could say no, the girl had already taken out her notebook.

"I'm Zhang Meng, a freshman in the Performing Arts Department this year!"

"I especially love your... Romance of the Three Kingdoms... Could you please sign it for me?"

He Yi'an glanced at her. She was alright looking, but he vaguely remembered her name.

I reckon he's one of those actors who never became famous.

Moreover, he's not a regular graduate of the Beijing Film Academy; he might have been specially recruited.

Every year, so many acting students graduate from the Beijing Film Academy, but how many of them actually make it big? Especially the classes of 2003 and 2004, although it's not a complete failure, they are completely invisible compared to the star-studded classes.

Especially considering that both the 02 and 05 classes were considered star classes.

The two sessions in the middle were really not very noticeable.

Now that he's here, it's alright. At least Mu Tingting will become popular with Langyuan, and Shu Chang will be in the 2004 class after she gets in.

Although Shu Chang is only two months younger than Liu Yifei, and is now two grades below her, Shu Chang actually skipped a grade when she entered the 2004 class.

Moreover, she could have entered the Central Academy of Drama in 2003.

Seeing the other person's excited face, He Yi'an never thought that he would be a fan of a celebrity one day.

Quite surprised, he took the pen and was about to sign his name on the title page of the notebook she handed him, but after thinking about it, he added a few words as encouragement.

Liu Yifei had previously discussed with him the points to note when signing autographs while they were on set.

That means things like his signature shouldn't be leaked casually, especially not on a blank piece of paper or in a notebook.

Therefore, writing blessings and words of encouragement is a way to avoid this situation.

This was a good example of him putting his knowledge into practice. After she signed the document, He Yi'an encouraged her, saying, "Work hard and keep it up!"

After saying that, she was about to leave, but Zhang Meng wanted to say something more. However, she noticed a large group of people walking towards them, so she quickly stepped aside, bowed to He Yi'an, and ran away.

Holy crap!

He Yi'an saw it too, and exclaimed "Holy crap!" But before he could continue walking, he was surrounded by a group of people.

"Hello Director He! I'm Wang Bo from the Directing Department, Class of 03. May I take a photo with you?"

"Director He, I'm from the literature department. I've saved all the poems I wrote on the school forum last time!"

"Senior He Yi'an! I applied to the photography department. Can I ask you a few questions about camera movement?"

The crowd quickly grew larger and larger, with people asking for autographs, photos, and questions, which gave He Yi'an a headache. After dealing with them for a while, he realized that the crowd would only grow larger if he stayed any longer, so he quickly made an excuse and ran away.

"Is this the kind of scene Xiao Liu will encounter frequently in the future? It's even more tiring than a whole day of filming for me..."

He muttered something to himself, still shaken, before heading towards the teaching building.

It had been a long time since He Yi'an had been to Mu Deyuan's office on the third floor. When He Yi'an pushed the door open, the old man was sitting behind his desk smoking.

Upon seeing him, Mu Deyuan stubbed out his cigarette and chuckled, jokingly saying, "Oh, isn't this our busy Director He? What brings you back to school?" "Teacher, you're too kind. It's only right that I go back to school to see you."

"Come on! You never call me if I don't call you, and you still want to come see me?"

He Yi'an ignored such undermining behavior and, regardless of whether Mu Deyuan offered him a seat, plopped down in the chair opposite him without any politeness.

"That's why I'm here today. I also wanted to ask you about something."

"Hmph, I knew you wouldn't come here unless you had something to say." Mu Deyuan looked like he knew him all along, and calmly picked up his teacup and took a sip.

"Speak, what is it?"

"I'd like to see what exactly is going on that even our great Director He can't handle, and that he has to come back to this old man like me!"

Although it is said that one becomes stained red by one's surroundings and black by one's surroundings.

But Mu Deyuan is supposed to be a senior figure, yet he has unexpectedly learned He Yi'an's sarcastic tone of voice.

But you know what, while it might sound like sarcasm to others, He Yi'an thought it was alright.

It's just that he's gotten used to it, which is normal!

It was just a joke, something he often said! "Teacher, in our school's directing department, literature department, or even cinematography department, are there any lecturers, professors, or associate professors who...have been making films for several years or worked on several film crews, have a portfolio, but haven't yet found the opportunity to make a feature film independently?"

Mu Deyuan immediately understood what he meant and, looking at him directly, pointed out his thoughts: "You want to find someone to film for you?"

"How can you say you're helping me? I'm your student, of course we're collaborating."

"Or I would like to help the teachers realize their own dreams."

Having been in society for so long, He Yi'an has become increasingly adept at occupying the moral high ground.

However, Mu Deyuan was displeased by his words. As a teacher, he naturally had to educate him: "It's only been a short time since we last met, how come you've become so glib? You've really become a capitalist, aren't you? You're good at conning people."

Mu Deyuan is, after all, a teacher. Teachers have always lived in an ivory tower, and they still value certain things and personalities.

So He Yi'an accepted the criticism, immediately sat up straight, and corrected his wording: "Teacher, the company has many projects, and I can't handle them all by myself. Some scripts are just sitting there anyway, so I was thinking it would be better to find suitable people to film them."

"As you know, good directors are still very rare these days, let alone film directors."

He Yi'an's attitude was so sincere, and he said so much, how could Mu Deyuan not know what he was thinking?

I need him to recommend and introduce me to some reliable people.

If it were anyone else, he certainly wouldn't have gotten involved in such a thing. But He Yi'an was his prized disciple.

"Go to the fifth floor and find Xue Xiaolu. She has a few portfolios, but hasn't found any investment yet. She's a reliable person, just a bit stubborn."

"Xue Xiaolu?"

He Yi'an recalled the name and indeed remembered it. He was a professor in the Department of Literature at Beijing Film Academy and had a good reputation in the industry. He had never directed a feature film before, but he was capable of directing.

She went on to make several more films, which were both commercially and critically successful.

Her more representative works include "Don't Talk to Strangers", "Finding Mr. Right", and "My People, My Country"...

The person Mu Deyuan introduced is indeed reliable.

With the intention of seeing things through to the end, Mu Deyuan even called Xue Xiaolu in front of He Yi'an to explain the situation and say that He Yi'an would come to find her.

The teacher has gone to such lengths, what else can He Yi'an say?

"Thank you, teacher. I'll go talk to her now."

He Yi'an left Mu Deyuan's office and went straight to the office on the fifth floor.

When I got to the door, I saw several people sitting inside, huddled together discussing something. I knocked on the door.

"Please come in!"

Pushing open the door, the first thing I saw was Xue Xiaolu.

She's in her early thirties now, and her short hair and glasses haven't changed much since then. The people sitting next to her all look somewhat familiar.

Upon seeing him, Xue Xiaolu was the first to react, extending her hand: "Director He? Teacher Mu just called me, I didn't expect you to arrive so quickly..."

"I happened to be at school. After talking with Teacher Mu, I came to talk to Teacher Xue about something."

He Yi'an shook hands with her and glanced around.

Hey!

Quite a few acquaintances there!

The more he looked at it, the more he felt that the trip today was worthwhile.

Because the person sitting to Xue Xiaolu's left was Jiang Wei, who looked like a scholar, but He Yi'an had a deep impression of him. In addition to participating in "Don't Talk to Strangers" with Xue Xiaolu, he also personally filmed "Lurking".

He still teaches at the school and occasionally takes on projects as a producer. He's Xue Xiaolu's partner.

Next to Jiang Wei was Yili, who was about fifty years old.

Not many people may be familiar with this person, but as someone in the industry, He Yi'an is certainly known; he is a typical academic director.

He later directed "The Knot," for which he won the Golden Rooster Award for Best Director, and he will probably be directing "Zhang Side" this year.

He Yi'an is not qualified to make this kind of movie!

Next to him is Cao Baoping, who looks more casual.

But he's even more of a heavyweight!

He is also a teacher at the Beijing Film Academy. His more famous works include "The Dead End", "Dog Thirteen", "Cock and Bull", "The Wrath of Glory", and "The Equation of Love and Death".

Yes, it's the one that got Zhou Daru the Golden Rooster Award, and it also won the Best Director Award in the New Directors category at the 56th San Sebastián International Film Festival.

He has a lot of ideas about crime films.

Upon seeing them, He Yi'an's public relations spirit began to ignite.

These are all people we can and need to engage with in public relations! What else is there to say?

PR Director, get started!

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