All-rounder Artist

Chapter 308: Chapter 287 The Strongest Newcomer in the Film and Television Circle_1

In its second week of release, “The Tuner” raked in more than two hundred million at the box office, bringing its total to about six hundred million when factoring in first-week numbers. As a result, the popularity of the cast members soared, notably that of the leading man — Liu Zhengwen —

“Liu Zhengwen’s phenomenal comeback!”

“Liu Zhengwen’s new film a huge hit!”

“Analyzing the acting skills of Liu Zhengwen!”

Xian Yu’s new film does exceptionally well, Liu Zhengwen tastes sudden success!”

“Listing all those once-popular actors we’ve gradually forgotten. Some are still struggling, others have quit the circle. Liu Zhengwen has re-entered the public’s view with this film.”

“…”

This is the advantage of having had fame before.

Over ten years ago, Liu Zhengwen was once a very popular actor, whose career was cut short due to an accident on set. When he returned to the industry, he struggled to regain his previous status.

But the memories he left the audience with from ten years ago have yet to fade.

And this film, “The Tuner”, is like a spell, reviving everyone’s impression of Liu Zhengwen.

Thus…

Liu Zhengwen found fame once again.

It is important to note that this resurgence, seemingly simple, is actually the product of countless instances of persistence and hard work. So when the spotlight and flowers were once more showered upon him, Liu Zhengwen cherished the moment intensely.

“Now I understand why you took this role so seriously back then.”

These words, spoken by Liu Zhengwen’s agent, carried a hint of fear.

If Liu Zhengwen hadn’t landed that role, he would’ve regretted it bitterly. Would he still be constantly thanking Xian Yu in media interviews like he is now?

Indeed.

Lately, Liu Zhengwen has done many interviews, and in every one of them, he has often said:

“I thank Teacher Xian Yu.”

These words are heartily spoken.

And when reporters ask if Liu Zhengwen would consider collaborating with Xian Yu again in the future, Liu Zhengwen’s answer is equally resolute:

“If Teacher Xian Yu needs me, I am ready at any time.”

This is the signal he has put out to the public.

Actors typically don’t send out such signals because they could affect factors like pay and timing schedules.

This means that Liu Zhengwen has branded himself with a label – one that belongs to Xian Yu.

Ordinarily, no actor would dare to show such humility when one’s future prospects are uncertain.

Meanwhile…

As the film’s director, Yi Chenggong too has been getting a lot of interviews.

However, words from Yi Chenggong’s interviews have given rise to quite a shock:

“Many people don’t know that Xian Yu is actually the real director behind both ‘The Tuner’ and my previous slapstick comedy film. I simply followed the instructions of Xian Yu, including for camera shots and so forth, which are clearly written out in the script…”

It is known that Xian Yu’s films are led by the scriptwriters.

But no one had expected Xian Yu, the scriptwriter, to have such a decisive role!

“Do you feel that your talents are not being fully utilized? Have you considered directing new films with yourself as the main lead?”

“Whether it is the scriptwriter or director who functions as the core of a production crew, the essential goal is to make the film as good as it can be. Since we’re all working for the betterment of the film, naturally we should adhere to Xian Yu’s guidelines. I don’t believe following my own ideas to present this script would add any value. Furthermore, if I come across shots I think could be improved, I discuss it with Xian Yu. He is quite approachable off the clock, and often adopts the crew’s suggestions.”

…

The things Yi Chenggong said in the interview stunned many people, none of whom doubted his honesty. These facts could easily be confirmed by interviewing a few crew members, so lying would be pointless.

Besides, lying about this would bring no advantage to Yi Chenggong.

“So Xian Yu is the real director?”

“Is Yi Chenggong merely a tool?”

“It must be that Director Yi is being modest. He certainly has made his contribution to the film. With a different director, the film might not have turned out as good. But chances are Yi Chenggong is right, this film’s ultimate director in control is probably Xian Yu…”

“Since the presentation of the shots is determined by the script, hanging a director’s title under Xian Yu’s name would be perfectly fine.”

“This is absolute centralized authority on the part of the scriptwriter!”

“…”

People both within and outside the industry are taken aback.

Some remarked: “It is indeed Yi Chenggong.”

He succeeds with ease.

However, Yi Chenggong does not think there is anything wrong with this.

His dream is to be a famous director, to see his own films in cinemas, to see his own movies become box office hits.

As for whether he directs the film production or is directed by others, Yi Chenggong never pursues this.

It only goes to show that people are different.

If it were Du An, he would definitely dislike being directed by a scriptwriter.

But Yi Chenggong actually likes his current situation and even finds it palatable.

When he collaborates with Xian Yu, success comes easily.

Moreover…

People who truly know the business should understand, no matter how scriptwriter-centric the production is, the importance of a director in a film is still undeniable.

He’s gained fame and fortune.

So why the need for anything more?

Yi Chenggong isn’t the type of director who will get jealous just because everyone pays more attention to the scriptwriter, Xian Yu.

Even in a script-centric production, a director is still a director, isn’t he?

It’s worth mentioning that…

The actor Zhou Xue, who played the enchanting vixen Jiang Yan in the film, also gained popularity following the film’s release!

The vicious vixen was perfectly portrayed from her performance.

Of course, we didn’t see nasty instances of her being criticized online just because she played an antagonist character…

Some villains, no matter how evil, can still be loved by the audience, thanks to the actors who portray them.

This has set off a stir within the company.

First He Sheng…

Then Yu Xilu…

And now Zhou Xue…

Several actors within the company have seen their careers take off because they were involved in Xian Yu’s films.

This has excited many actors in the company.

They want to be in Xian Yu’s… films!

Back when Xian Yu was preparing to film “Flirting Scholar”, well-known actors within the company tried to avoid it.

Even when “The Tuner” was casting, many actors didn’t take it seriously.

As a result of their lack of interest, many missed out on good opportunities.

Just like Yi Chenggong publicly admitting that he was the director who followed Xian Yu’s orders in the crew.

Another twist appeared after the film ended.

The name Xian Yu, already famous in music, is gaining more and more attention in the film industry as well.

“The Most Powerful Newcomer in the Film Industry.”

That’s how some people described Xian Yu’s position in the film industry.