Chapter Seventy-Four: A Step Ahead

For Xia Meng, she was naturally welcomed by executives from Hong Kong Radio and various major film companies. As for the members of her "Floating Years" crew, they too were targets pursued by many film companies. This time, "Floating Years" had ten nominations at the Hong Kong Film Awards, making it a strong contender. Besides the main awards, many behind-the-scenes members of the crew received nominations as well.

Should these individuals win, their reputations would soar within the industry, their value would multiply, and, most importantly, none of them had signed contracts with Bluebird Company—some were even newcomers.

"Hello, Mr. Pan." While others valued the director Yan Hao, art director Zhang Shuping, and composer Kitaro, Yan Xu had his eyes on cinematographer Pan Hengsheng.

Yan Xu was well aware that this unassuming man would become one of Hong Kong's top cinematographers in the future. From "A Chinese Ghost Story," "Peking Opera Blues," to "Once Upon a Time in Shanghai," "Ruan Lingyu," and later "A Chinese Odyssey" and "Who Am I," all the way to the new century's "Fearless" and "CJ7," he had collaborated with many renowned directors and stars. His works, though not all, had mostly achieved excellent box office results or critical acclaim. "Floating Years" was his first film as lead cinematographer.

Currently, besides earning a nomination for "Floating Years," he had only worked as cinematographer for Shaw Brothers' "Mad for You," which had poor box office, barely earning over 1.7 million. The industry is pragmatic: no matter what you once achieved, if you can't bring profit, you will be marginalized. There are too many who once tasted fame but faded away. Moreover, the industry rarely values behind-the-scenes personnel.

"Oh... hello." Pan Hengsheng's appearance marked him as an honest man. He showed no resentment at being overlooked; instead, he curiously surveyed the grand event, answering Yan Xu's greeting with some nervousness.

"My name is Yan Xu. I'm a director," Yan Xu introduced himself, seeing Pan Hengsheng's confusion. Many directors have their own preferred teams, and Yan Xu, wanting to have a lasting presence in the industry, needed to build his own. Pan Hengsheng was the member he had chosen.

"Yan Xu, you are Yan Xu?" Pan Hengsheng looked at him in surprise. Yan Xu was already somewhat famous in the industry—not just for his two films, but also his record company and his songwriting talents, which were widely discussed.

"The genuine article." Yan Xu smiled. He had, after all, become something of a celebrity.

"Boss Yan, your two films are excellent, and the song you wrote, 'I Believe,' I particularly like. I even enjoy singing it," Pan Hengsheng said with a grin.

"I'm here to ask if you have any work plans lately?" Yan Xu didn't waste words, getting straight to the point.

"Work plans? Not yet." Pan Hengsheng shook his head, his gaze toward Yan Xu filled with hope.

Hong Kong's film industry was thriving, with many professionals involved, but the number of films shot each year was limited. Without significant fame, behind-the-scenes staff like them couldn't secure many jobs annually; their pay was limited, much like regular company employees. To earn more, they had to take on more work.

"I'm about to start shooting a film. I hope you'll join me as cinematographer. Of course, the pay will be fair," Yan Xu said. For behind-the-scenes professionals like Pan Hengsheng, pay was the most tangible concern.

"What kind of film is it? When does shooting start?" Pan Hengsheng knew his chances of winning were slim, but as a nominee, his value was already higher. He couldn't accept just any project, lest it hurt his reputation. Though Yan Xu was a guarantee himself, he still asked.

"It's a horror film, shooting begins at the end of this month. I'll send you the script when I get back," Yan Xu replied. Although the lead actress was still undecided, filming could not be delayed any longer.

With the rapid growth of the film industry, making several films a year was common. It was already mid-April, and he hadn't released a single film. Even if this one was finished, it wouldn't hit theaters until July or August.

If he couldn't find a suitable lead actress, he'd have to lower his standards. Scarface Qiang was busy with the sit-down business and couldn't help him. His hopes rested on the candidate introduced by Wong Jing. There were no high expectations—just someone who could do the job.

"Alright, I'll clear my schedule," Pan Hengsheng agreed.

"What did Hengsheng agree to, Ah Xu?" As Pan Hengsheng finished speaking, another voice sounded nearby; Sammo Hung's stout figure approached.

"Hello, Boss Hung," Pan Hengsheng said hurriedly. There was no one in the industry who didn't know Sammo Hung. Since founding his own film company, he had produced a string of high-grossing films, and his company was a major player—he was a true boss.

"Big Brother Hung," Yan Xu greeted him with a smile, "I just asked Mr. Pan to be the cinematographer for my next film."

"Looks like I arrived a moment too late." Sammo Hung had heard of Yan Xu's new film. He looked at Yan Xu, "Our D&B also has a thriller, 'Line of Life and Death.' I was hoping to invite Hengsheng, but it seems you've beaten us to it."

Yan Xu laughed heartily; he had poached talent from D&B. In his memory, Pan Hengsheng left D&B after filming "Christmas Adventure." "Luckily, I was quick. But D&B has trained plenty of cinematographers—why seek outside help?"

"Now that the company has grown, we don't have enough staff," Sammo Hung shook his head. He now owned several companies, producing many films each year, sometimes with multiple crews shooting simultaneously. His original team was no longer sufficient.

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The fourth Hong Kong Film Awards ceremony was held in a modest auditorium. Apart from the stage at the front, the hall was packed tightly with rows of seats, almost shoulder-to-shoulder. The central aisle was barely half a meter wide—less spacious even than a school New Year's gala.

Though the setting struck Yan Xu as humble, this was a true grand occasion for Hong Kong's film industry, and not just anyone could attend.

The stage was mainly purple, with a blue V-shaped podium rising from a green floor. The backdrop wall featured a pattern of film reels made of small bulbs, above which were the golden words for the Fourth Hong Kong Film Awards Ceremony.

Everyone gradually entered the hall. Due to their nominations, Yan Xu and Vivian Chow sat near the front, with Wu Mengda beside them. Around them were mostly nominated crews and individuals. The first two rows were reserved for those who entered last—industry veterans with enormous influence, along with invited government officials, award judges, and executives from major companies.

As the lights dimmed, the noise in the hall faded, accompanied by rapid drumbeats. A voice echoed through the venue...