Becoming a Movie Star, System Only Finished Loading After Ten Years

"Qiu Moyan is dead, probably dead, fell into a quicksand pit..."

Qi Hao wasn't sure either.

After all, in the world of film and television, life and death are just a matter of the director's words.

Qiu Moyan got stabbed in the chest?

Her heart being on the right side doesn't work, does it?

So many people saw her fall into the quicksand pit, and she's still not dead?

Maybe there's another world beneath the quicksand pit.

Not only did she not die, but she also obtained a martial arts manual and became the top expert in the martial world.

"In the sequel, Mo Yan is indeed dead. The story focuses on Zhou Huai'an and Jin Xiangyu..."

Xu Ke already had an idea in mind.

In fact, he had thought about continuing the story of Dragon Gate Inn for a long time.

It's just that making it distinctive is still quite difficult.

Moreover, compared to Dragon Gate Inn, he wanted more to make The Legend of the Condor Heroes, but unfortunately, Jin Yong didn't give him the rights.

"Me playing Zhou Huai'an?"

Qi Hao didn't quite believe it. Even though his status was enough, he was too different from the character's persona.

"Find Li Lianjie to play Zhou Huai'an, he's very interested."

Xu Ke promptly said.

"Him? What's your budget, planning to hire him?"

Qi Hao would never hire Li Lianjie for a movie in his lifetime.

He simply can't afford it, and there's no cost-effectiveness.

Comparatively, if there's a suitable script, he'd rather work with Fang Long, because Fang Long is particularly easy-going.

If you cry poor to him, it's not impossible for him to act for free.

Everyone calls Fang Long big brother, not only because of his status in the martial world but also because he's genuinely easy-going.

"A budget of 200 million... giving him 90 million remuneration, he regretted missing out on New Dragon Gate Inn back then, so he slightly discounted his pay."

Xu Ke still felt like he was getting a good deal.

"..."

One person taking 45% of the funds, this movie is destined to solitude.

Qi Hao had worked with Li Lianjie in Oath of Allegiance.

He felt this guy doesn't guarantee box office.

Don't know why so many people still want to throw money at him.

However, ever since Li Lianjie started the "Yi Fund," he indeed got in with a lot of capital bigshots.

"Don't worry, Bern will pay."

Xu Ke understood Qi Hao's concern, but with a 200 million budget, the remaining 110 million is enough to make a high-quality movie.

These days, a big-budget movie doesn't cost more than what it used to.

Don't underestimate a billion; it's a lot of money, isn't it?

Exceeding this price, if not for high-paid actors, it's basically for laundering gold coins.

"What do I play?"

Li Lianjie as Zhou Huai'an, damned if he'll make me play Jin Xiangyu.

If he dares to say that, Qi Hao would kill the old man today and let Shi Nansheng become a widow.

"This time, you play the director of the Western Depot..."

Xu Ke designed the character around Qi Hao, and when he was creating, his mind was full of Qi Hao, which is why he insisted on having Qi Hao play.

Others just couldn't capture that feeling.

"Eunuch!"

Qi Hao thought Shi Nansheng should just be a widow.

Is there a difference between an eunuch and a woman?

I see you as a friend, and you want to cut off my manhood.

"Let me tell you, this eunuch is based on Chief Eunuch Wang Zhi, do you know him?"

Xu Ke wasn't too sure, as it seemed Qi Hao didn't go to school much.

There are a lot of grassroots directors in Xiangjiang, but Xu Ke is not one of them.

He entered the Southern Methodist University in Texas in his early years, dropped out to travel Miguo after a year, and later transferred to the University of Texas at Austin to study broadcasting and film.

Therefore, his films often feature technical innovations.

In terms of technical innovation in Chinese-language films, Xu Ke has made a significant contribution.

"I know..."

Qi Hao's photographic memory was partly devoted to film-related books, partly to literary works, and partly to historical documents.

Because of his erudition, Lu Yang already regarded him as a Ming Dynasty encyclopedia.

Lu Yang, while working on a script called Brocade Spring Saber, often consulted Qi Hao on historical matters.

Sometimes when Qi Hao couldn't answer, he would have Li Xiaomeng go to the library to borrow materials.

Not to brag, but regarding Ming Dynasty eunuchs and Jinyi Guards, Qi Hao is definitely a top expert.

"The character I created is definitely a very unique antagonist..."

Xu Ke was trying hard to persuade Qi Hao.

He didn't want to use past promises to force Qi Hao to take the role.

You can't force a melon to be sweet.

Only if Qi Hao was genuinely interested in the character could he perform the role's essence sincerely.

"Villain?"

Qi Hao's eyes suddenly lit up.

Why didn't you say so earlier!

His new task requires him to play a villainous role.

And it must be a "charismatic villain." This isn't something you can measure with skill; you just have to try to land a few villain roles and hope for the best.

Though Xiaomi's business information suggests that kind of award is quite silly—it's obvious Xiaomi has a bright future ahead, and investing blindly is all that's needed—without completing this task, he can't unlock new tasks. So Qi Hao still has to finish it first.

"You could say it's a villain, but don't worry, this villain is definitely eye-catching, possibly even more so than the male lead... Let me give you a taste with these lines: You ask what the Western Depot is? I'll tell you now, the things your Eastern Depot doesn't dare to involve in, we do. The people you don't dare to kill, we do. In short, what the Eastern Depot manages, we manage; what the Eastern Depot can't manage, we insist on managing. Act first, report later, imperial privileges! This is the Western Depot, got it?"

Xu Ke performed on the spot.

Qi Hao responded with a look that said he was staring at a fool.

To be honest, when it comes to lines, having just been immersed in "Let the Bullets Fly," Qi Hao didn't think much of Xu Ke's over-the-top performance.

Jiang Wen is the real deal.

But in the movies that Old Monster Xu directed and co-wrote, there is no shortage of charismatic and extremely attractive villains.

They are either evil, charming, or wild, making audiences love and hate them, unable to quit watching.

Take, for example, the eunuch Gu Jinfu in "Swordsman," Dongfang Bubai in "Swordsman: Invincible East," Sun Honglei in "Seven Swords," Cao Shaoqin in "New Dragon Gate Inn," and Horse Thief Flying Dragon in "The Blade"...

Even Li Zixiong's portrayal of Fu Buqianjun became a classic in countless moviegoers' hearts.

He seemed more ninja-like than ninjas in Neon films.

Qi Hao still had some confidence in Xu Ke's character development.

Since he said it's certainly good, he could trust him a little.

After all, it's about luck anyway.

So, Qi Hao thought for a moment and said, "Got a script? Let me take a look?"

Xu Ke's biggest shortcoming is the plot.

Especially in recent years, the plots have become increasingly nonsensical.

Qi Hao didn't want to be criticized after his performance.

He's no longer just anyone, so he needs to protect his reputation more.

"I'll send it to you later. For now, there's only a rough storyline and character setting. The detailed script isn't ready yet. You know, my 'Heaven-Reaching Empire' is about to be released, and I'm busy."

Xu Ke was overjoyed upon hearing this. If Qi Hao asked for the script, it naturally meant he was going to accept the role.

Then he invited An Feng to join him in the film as well.

Emphasizing participation was what mattered.

Even if the role offered is just a supporting one, for a film newcomer like An Feng, working with such a big director is an honor in itself.

Qi Hao also introduced Zhang Chenyu to Xu Ke.

Hoping that more special effects work would be handed to the Naughty Ghost Studio. I'll take your film roles, and you use my special effects company; it's a win-win for everyone.

While they were chatting, staff came over to urge them along.

If these stars didn't take their seats, would the Golden Image Award have to wait for them?

The Golden Image Award officially began.

This time, "October Fortress" was nominated for 15 awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, and Best Newcomer, with a total of 19 nominations, setting a new record for the most nominations received by any film in the history of the Golden Image Awards.

For a big figure like Qi Hao, award ceremonies don't hold much significance unless he's receiving a major award.

This time, he was here to see if An Feng could win a newcomer award.

For many, the newcomer award holds great significance.

It's the same for An Feng.

Her talent can't be said to be bad, but her lower threshold is high, while her upper threshold is not.

Her acting is at a level where it doesn't take viewers out of the story.

Thinking of going down the acting route, even winning Best Actress and becoming an old pro is a bit unrealistic.

This time, she played Fang Hong in "October Fortress" and received significant support from the directing team, helping her portray this challenging character well.

She also worked hard, performing at a supernormal level.

After the film's release, her performance surprised the audience, showing that An Feng could play more than just beautiful roles.

Perhaps, An Feng isn't outstanding yet, but the newcomer award is meant to encourage new film talents.

Whether she can win the award is actually a comparison within the newcomer category.

She was nominated along with Chen Falala from "Laughing Gor's Defection," Zhu Xuan from "Tear Prince," Li Zhiteng, and Zhong Shaotu from "Time Thieves."

Her biggest competitor should be Li Zhiteng—the singer who resembles Wang Lihong...

He joined Li Ming's A MUSIC East Asia Records and PACIWOOD Talent Agency at 16, debuted as a singer last year, and starred in "Time Thieves" this year.

He has quite good resources.

His performance in "Time Thieves" was also outstanding.

Plus, being a local from Xiangjiang means his chances of winning the award are suddenly much higher.

"Don't be nervous. Just being nominated is a good start; I've never won a newcomer acting award either."

When the award ceremony was about to reach the rookie award segment, Qi Hao noticed that An Feng was visibly nervous.

When it comes to this point, even the most indifferent person would have their heart racing.

"I think you're more nervous than I am."

An Feng muttered softly.

"Stop talking; it's about to start. Just assume you're not going to win and act naturally; otherwise, the Hong Kong media will say you were bullied to tears by the Golden Image Award."

Qi Hao adjusted his expression, maintaining a polite smile.

If, in a moment, they announce the rookie award and he's more nervous than the nominees, everyone would realize the hint of their relationship.

He certainly wouldn't be nervous for Li Zhiteng, right?