Nobody knows movies better than me

Chapter 31 Han Sanping's Summoning

After receiving the bonus from Ye Bingcheng's assistant, Zhang Jun didn't treat himself badly. He first bought a car as a means of transportation, and then changed that damned phone number.

He decided that from then on, he would delegate all official business to Guanzhi Film Studio, and use his mobile phone number as a private means of contact.

Now that he's a celebrity, it's no longer appropriate for him to take the bus or a taxi.

Before, when he walked down the street, people recognized him.

Zhang Jun asked and found out that the person recognized him after seeing his photo online.

His reputation as a campus heartthrob at Tsinghua University has spread from the internet into real life.

With a car, a house, and a sum of money, and living in the capital, Zhang Jun thought he could just relax and live a carefree life... That's impossible.

Putting aside Zhang Jun's passion for the film industry, he hasn't even managed to date any of those stunningly beautiful actresses yet!

Otherwise, why would I travel back to 2004 when I'm doing just fine in 2044?

After that, Zhang Jun asked He Xuan for help to first establish a personal director studio, and then he signed a three-film cooperation contract with Guanzhi Pictures.

In other words, his next three films will all be made in collaboration with Guanzhi Pictures.

However, seeing how well "Little Miss Sunshine" did at the box office, China Film Group also wanted to join in, which led to a dispute between Guanzhi Pictures and China Film Group.

In addition, many film companies, investors and so on, all want to get to know Zhang Jun, this incredibly young director.

We are now in the early stages of a commercial film market. Even without Zhang Jun's forward-thinking vision, one should know that the government is vigorously promoting market-oriented reforms in the film industry.

Investing in movies is one aspect, but the real and tangible policy benefits that come with it are the ones that follow.

Therefore, young directors like Zhang Jun, who have just achieved good results, are actually very sought after. Even if his next film loses money, he will still be sought after by big bosses in the film industry.

This is why Ye Bingcheng gave Zhang Jun both a house and a bonus – he wanted to keep Zhang Jun, this talented individual, firmly in his grasp.

Even if Zhang Jun hadn't said those things to him, Ye Bingcheng, with his keen business sense, noticed that the film market was about to undergo a dramatic change.

At China Film Group, Han Sanping has been keeping a close eye on the situation of the movie "Little Miss Sunshine," especially on Zhang Jun.

This year, two directors he admires have emerged: Zhang Jun and Lu Chuan, who directed "Kekexili".

Of course, Lu Chuan had already proven herself through the movie "Looking for a Gun".

This time, he has produced another highly acclaimed film, "Kekexili," making him one of the most promising young directors in Han Sanping's eyes.

Han Sanping had chatted with Lu Chuan several times before, and the guy could talk fluently about culture and film art.

Han Sanping also encouraged him and regarded him as the hope for the future of Chinese-language films.

Another one has emerged, Zhang Jun, although he has no family connections and no elders who are cultural figures.

However, Han Sanping remained optimistic and arranged for his secretary to meet Zhang Jun at the China Film Group headquarters.

Jiang Tao quickly relayed Han Sanping's message and instructed Zhang Jun: "Don't be nervous when you see President Han. He's a nice person."

He would really like a talented and capable young person like you.

Zhang Jun wasn't nervous at all: "Don't worry, this time it'll probably just be a brief chat with me, there won't be any problems."

The next morning, Zhang Jun arrived at the headquarters of China Film Group. Soon, Han Sanping's secretary led him to a meeting room and served him tea.

"President Han is in a meeting right now, he'll be here shortly..."

"Thanks!"

Looking at his secretary's swaying bodycon skirt, Zhang Jun shook his head unhappily. He thought it would be better if her buttocks were a bit more perky.

At this moment, Han Sanping was presiding over a meeting in the conference room of China Film Group.

"Big Scissors also emphasized to us that next year they will continue to support private film companies and support some capable and innovative young directors."

As a leading state-owned enterprise, China Film Group Corporation shoulders the social responsibility of Chinese-language films.

Therefore, such utilitarian approaches are unacceptable. As long as the demands are reasonable, we must vigorously support those newly established private film companies and directors.

"We must provide convenience in terms of script guidance, filming, equipment, and distribution!"

2004 can be described as a year of rapid development, with as many as 100 domestic films released that year, but only a handful of them were able to achieve success in theaters.

However, the chief censor was generally satisfied with the results and ordered China Film Group to continue to strengthen its support for Chinese-language films in 2005.

After the meeting, Han Sanping returned to his office.

The secretary came over and said, "Mr. Han, Director Zhang Jun has arrived and is resting in the reception room."

Han Sanping nodded: "Okay, please invite him over!"

Before long, Zhang Jun was led to Han Sanping's office by his secretary.

The office is quite rustic and elegant. Upon entering, there is a wooden wall-mounted bookshelf filled with various books.

However, judging from the marks, it was probably just for show and they didn't really look through it.

Large vases with flowers arranged on them are placed on both sides of the bookshelf, bringing a touch of fragrance.

On the right wall of the office hangs a painting of the rising sun, seemingly the work of a contemporary master, of very high quality.

Turning around, one sees Han Sanping's desk. The young and energetic Han Sanping takes the initiative to stand up and shake hands with Zhang Jun.

"Zhang Jun, right? Welcome, welcome!"

Han Sanping greeted him warmly, "Sit down, Xiao Tang, bring some tea!"

Zhang Jun greeted him politely: "Hello Mr. Han, thank you for your invitation, which allowed me to enter the doors of China Film Group."

"What kind of talk is that? A young director as talented as you, you're welcome to come into my office anytime, Han Sanping!"

Han Sanping patted Zhang Jun on the shoulder, indicating that he valued Zhang Jun highly.

After the secretary served tea and the two exchanged a few polite words, Han Sanping got down to business.

"Xiao Zhang, that's what I'll call you from now on."

Han Sanping said, "I've been going to meetings at Big Scissors a lot lately. The leaders at Big Scissors emphasized to me that we need to guide the development of the Chinese-language film market."

What are your thoughts on this?

This is a very broad question, and Zhang Jun understands that Han Sanping is testing him to see what his vision and perspective are like.

"I'm a young man and don't really have much to say about this, but since Mr. Han asked, I can't refuse, so I'll try to say something."

Under Han Sanping's expectant gaze, Zhang Jun sorted out his thoughts.

"I think there are two main approaches: one is the film production itself, and the other is to deepen the reform of the cinema chain."

"Oh?"

Han Sanping was surprised. He thought Zhang Jun would talk to him about aligning with international standards, film culture, and art, just like Lu Chuan.

To be honest, Lu Chuan's words were correct, but that's not what Han Sanping wanted to hear.

He became interested: "Tell me more..."

Zhang Jun began, "Let's talk about film production first. Although I'm a newcomer to the industry, I understand some of the shortcomings of our film industry."

The biggest drawback is that it places too much emphasis on celebrities while neglecting the vast number of behind-the-scenes talents.

I believe that professional behind-the-scenes talent is the cornerstone for the great development of Chinese-language films.

George Lucas once said, "I wasn't the one who made Star Wars, but the hard-working crew and the engineers at Industrial Light & Magic."

Unfortunately, the training of behind-the-scenes talent in Chinese-language films is currently in a rudimentary stage, as if everything depends on the director.

I believe this is unacceptable.

Few people have considered this issue from this perspective in the past. Even Han Sanping himself believes that if we want to achieve something, we need to cultivate more outstanding directors.

But Zhang Jun offered him a new perspective, which gave Han Sanping new ideas.

Zhang Jun's viewpoint would be considered commonplace forty years from now.

After the government reached its limit of tolerance for the Chinese film industry in 2030 and launched another round of strong reforms, a large number of highly skilled behind-the-scenes talents were cultivated.

With the application of a large number of advanced productive forces, by 2044, the Chinese-language film industry will become the place with the most film industry talent in the world.

However, in this era, it might not be earth-shattering, but it would at least surprise Han Sanping for a while.