Chapter 20: Forbidden Guidance
At the end of October, Gu Wei, who was at home with his parents, received a call from Mr. Han.
The notice I received was that I was banned from directing for five years. This was the penalty decision decided after a meeting of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.
At the discussion meeting, as soon as the old men and women from the relevant departments opened their mouths, they wanted to ban him from directing for life. What a joke! Gu Wei's behavior was a naked provocation to their authority. If they didn't take drastic measures, all future directors would follow his example. That would be disastrous.
The leaders of China Film Group and Beijing Film Academy disagreed, especially the leader of Beijing Film Academy, who slammed the table to express their opposition. The president of Beijing Film Academy suggested that Gu Wei make a public apology and then make a small matter out of a big deal and just ban him from directing.
How could the old man and the old woman be happy about this? They unanimously opposed it and argued for a long time. Then they changed it to a ten-year ban and the department issued a public document.
As a result, Norfilm still disagreed and found an old leader who had retired from Norfilm to intercede, saying that talents are rare and cannot be killed with one blow, and young people should be given a chance to reform.
The dean of Beijing Film Academy proposed a three-year ban on directing and not publishing any articles publicly, which would be almost the time after Gu Wei graduated.
As a result, there was another argument at the meeting and both sides were deadlocked.
Finally, the department head decided to ban him from directing for five years and not allow him to work as a director in the country. However, the relevant department did not issue a public announcement, so it was considered an acceptable solution to everyone.
After learning about the meeting, Gu Wei went to the school the next day and, together with the head of the directing department, found the dean and expressed his gratitude to him. From this incident, Gu Wei felt the school's care for him. If it were an ordinary director, he would most likely be banned from directing for life.
In the office, the dean looked at Gu Wei in front of him with a serious expression on his face. He scolded him a few words and told him to think more before doing things in the future. Young people are not afraid of making mistakes, but they are afraid of not repenting.
After that, he asked Gu Wei about his next plans. When he learned that he wanted to go abroad, he did not object, but just asked him to think more about everything. Then Gu Wei left the dean's office.
"Dean, I heard that you didn't have this expression during the meeting. When you heard about the lifetime ban from conducting, you slammed the table in opposition," the vice-dean said jokingly.
"Haha, this is a good seedling. I will definitely protect him in front of outsiders. I scold him a few words because I hope he will learn from his mistakes."
The two are old classmates and old colleagues and have a very good relationship.
.........
"Director Gu, you are here."
In the editing room of China Film Group, the staff looked at Gu Wei who came over and greeted him.
"Don't call me Director Gu anymore. I can't make a movie for the time being," Gu Wei said, waving his hand.
"It's just that I can't shoot for the time being. A few years have passed in the blink of an eye."
Other staff members nearby said.
"I came to see how the film editing is going, I think it's going okay."
"Director Gu, everything goes well and it will be done in December."
"Thank you for your hard work, brothers. I will give you all bonuses once the film is edited."
Looking at the edited film clips, Gu Wei said to the staff present.
"Thank you Director Gu."
"Gu Dao Niu 13".
The employees below cheered.
China Film Office.
"Mr. Han, I have seen the film editing and special effects production. They are very good, and the current progress is about the expected time."
Gu Wei spoke slowly while drinking the tea made by Han Sanping's assistant.
"Well, what do you suggest for showtime?".
As he spoke, Han Sanping handed him a document.
Gu Wei thought about it and realized that among the movies that will be released at the end of this year, except for "Big Shot" on December 12, none of the others can compete.
However, the domestic film market is too small now, with no fewer than two hit movies released in a given period of time.
"Mr. Han, how about we set it on February 2st? It just happens to cover the Spring Festival and Valentine's Day. It's the New Year, and we can relax by watching a movie. It will also be beneficial for publicity and promotion."
Gu Wei said as he looked at the film release arrangement document in his hand.
“Okay, once the post-production editing is done, we’ll start promoting it.”
"Just now you promised to give them bonuses in the editing room. China Film Group should pay for it."
Just as Gu Wei was about to leave, he heard Han Sanping say again.
"Mr. Han, let me pay for it. There is still some money left from the film investment."
"Besides, everything at China Film Group requires an application process and it can only be released after approval. It's too troublesome."
Gu Wei added.
"Okay, go out," Han Sanping said, waving his hand.
Within a few days, the news that Gu Wei was banned from directing spread in the circle, and the news media inevitably reported it again.
"The latest news: Director Gu Wei has been banned from directing for five years."
"The relevant departments have imposed penalties and Gu Wei is banned from directing."
Looking at the reports on the Internet, "Gu Wei", "ban on directing", and "five years" have become the most popular words in recent days.
People in the circle called one after another, some expressing concern, some expressing comfort, all kinds of things.
Gu Wei didn't pay any attention to the reports and comments on the Internet. He had been running back and forth between the company and China Film Group these days, keeping an eye on the post-production.
Xingchen Films Office.
Gu Wei was looking at the document handed over by Wang Chen, the ranking of novels and articles in 01.
Black Pig and White Pig
Cat and Mouse
.........
Um, Gu Wei really doesn’t understand these novels and articles, and he has never heard of them in his previous life.
Wang Chen looked at Gu Wei's expression and said, "Boss, these are collected according to your requirements."
"Well, keep collecting. When you're done, show me the list. If there's a suitable one, I'll let you talk."
"Go and notify everyone that this year's year-end bonus will be paid based on three months' salary, together with the last month's salary before the New Year, so that everyone can have a good New Year."
"Also, purchase a batch of New Year's goods and distribute them together," Gu Wei added.
"Okay, boss." After saying that, Wang Chen left the office.
After a while, Gu Wei heard cheers outside.
The treatment that Gu Wei gives to company employees has always been top-notch in the industry, and employees can find out by asking.
Firstly, the company does not have many employees, only 30 in total, and the salaries and benefits are full, so it does not cost much each year.
Secondly, he also knew that no matter what he told his employees to do and work hard together, it would not be as real as real money.
Looking at the time, it was almost five o'clock. Gu Wei walked out of the office and prepared to go home to be with his parents.
"Long live the boss."
As soon as he walked to the front desk, an employee said to him.
"Haha, work hard," Gu Wei said with a smile.
After leaving the company, Gu Wei had only taken a few steps when he remembered something and turned back.
"Lao Wang, ask the finance department to purchase more New Year's goods. Yes, purchase 50 more."
I will give you a list tomorrow. When the New Year goods are purchased, send them to them according to the list.
"Okay, boss."
After explaining the situation, he asked a company employee to drive him home.
Gu Wei asked the company to purchase a batch of extra New Year goods, which he intended to give to the teachers at the school and some actors he had worked with. It would not be appropriate to give them money directly, and some people would certainly not accept them, but there would be nothing wrong with giving some New Year gifts.
There were not many vehicles in the capital in 01, unlike later times when traffic jams could last for hours.
The company was not too far from Gu Wei's home. Half an hour later, they arrived at the place. Gu Wei did not let the driver drive in, but stopped at the gate of the community.
"Boss, I'm going back first," said the driver Xiao Liu.
"Okay, tomorrow morning at 7:30, please come and pick me up."
"Drive slowly on the road."
"Okay, boss."
Watching the car go away, Gu Wei decided to get a driver's license. It would be convenient for him to drive back and forth during the New Year holidays.
After entering the house, his parents had not yet gotten off work, so Gu Wei made a cup of tea and turned on TV to watch TV.
After changing a few channels, Gu Wei discovered that there were quite a few classic TV series this year.
""Romance in the Rain"".
"Like fog, like rain and like wind".
"The Grand Mansion Gate".
"The Smiling, Proud Wanderer".
There is also "Black Ice", which was later regarded as a classic, both of which were broadcast in 01.
When seeing Chen Kun in "Like Fog, Like Rain and Like Wind", Gu Wei vaguely thought that the person would make his debut next year, and his first TV series would be filmed with Chen Kun.
It’s a pity that he was banned from directing. Thinking of this, Gu Wei smiled bitterly.
After watching two episodes of "The Mansion Gate", Gu Wei felt a little emotional. Teacher Siqin's acting skills are really good. She can play any role well and never distracts people from the show.
Hearing the door open, Gu Wei's eyes left the TV screen.
"Dad, you got off work early today."
"I don't get off work at this time every day," said Gu Jianjun while changing his slippers.
"I heard about your story. You won't be able to be a director for a few years. It's quite serious," said Gu Jianjun, who was sitting on the sofa and drinking tea.
"It's no big deal. After the Chinese New Year, I plan to go abroad. I can't take pictures in China, but there are no restrictions abroad."
"You have a bad idea. What's so good about living abroad? Your family can't accommodate you."
Gu Wei's parents have been working in the unit. They are educated and relatively traditional in their thinking.
"Dad, if I want to make a movie, I have to go abroad in the next few years. This is just a temporary plan and I haven't decided yet. Don't tell Mom to avoid making her worry."
At the dinner table, a family of three was eating. Gu Wei said, "Dad, Mom, don't prepare the New Year's goods this year. I have asked the company to purchase them. When they arrive, we will send them to grandparents' home."
The next morning, driver Xiao Liu arrived on time. Gu Wei got in the car and went directly to school.
After entering the school gate, many people greeted him along the way, and Gu Wei also found that his treatment in school was not affected at all.
That’s right, whether he is banned or not, he is a director, a big award-winning director, and his status in this circle is unmatched by many.
After entering the classroom, the classmates were not as surprised by his arrival as before. Even the substitute teacher was used to it since he would come a few times a semester.
After staying in the classroom for a whole day, I still didn’t understand. It seems that I am not suitable for going to school, Gu Wei thought to himself.
The next day, Gu Wei did not go to school, but came to the company and asked Wang Chen to get him a driver's license. The timing was not too strict at this time, because in a few years, he would have to take the test himself.
.........
"Director Gu, are you free this weekend? Come over to my place and have a get-together," Feng Xiaogang said on the phone.
Gu Wei did not refuse Feng Xiaogang's invitation, and Feng Xiaogang also spoke for him last time.
"Okay, Director Feng, I'll go over there directly this weekend. I haven't seen you and Sister Fan for a while."
"Come directly to my house then and I'll introduce these two friends to you."
"Who is it?" Gu Wei asked puzzledly.
"You'll know when you get here. See you on the weekend, don't forget to come then."
Feng Xiaogang didn't explain it directly on the phone, but Gu Wei had a vague idea of who it was.
Never mind, I’ll talk about it when we meet, Gu Wei thought to himself.
.........
(End of this chapter)