RPAGF Chapter 29 Receiving the Award and Joining the Membership
Chapter 29 Receiving the Award and Joining the Membership
In Shaoxing, the mornings are awakened by the faint sounds of gongs and drums from local operas in the distance and the cries of vendors passing through the alleys.
On the day of the awards ceremony, although there was no extravagantly long red carpet or a barrage of cameras in front of the Shaoxing Grand Theatre, the few Coaster buses and special cars parked on the roadside silently demonstrated the scale of this grand event.
Besides the award-winning writers, most of the people here today are pillars of the drama world or influential figures in provincial drama associations and literary federations.
Lin Ruiyang changed into a well-tailored dark casual outfit and followed Liu Yibing into the theater, led by a volunteer.
"When you go on stage later, don't say too much, but make sure you speak appropriately." Liu Yibing lowered his voice, his tone unusually serious.
Lin Ruiyang nodded. He could clearly feel the gazes coming from both sides, some curious, some scrutinizing, and some surprised by his unusually youthful appearance.
The awards ceremony was slow-paced, exuding a scholarly elegance.
The Cao Yu Drama Literature Award is one of the highest awards for scriptwriting in China, and every nomination carries significant weight.
As the process progressed, the large screen began to introduce the nominated works in order.
When the name of "The Monkey King 2" appeared on the big screen, along with the commentary about "deconstructing tradition and reshaping humanity," the noise in the theater seemed to quiet down for a moment.
"The nominees for the Script Award at this year's Cao Yu Drama Literature Awards are Zhang Min, Meng Bing, Lin Ruiyang, Wu Yuzhong, and others. Congratulations to the ten winners."
As the host's clear voice rang out, Lin Ruiyang stood up amidst applause.
He did not rush to the stage, but first bowed to Liu Yibing beside him before walking steadily onto the stage.
The award presenter was none other than Mr. Chang Baohua, whom I had bumped into in the elevator last night.
Lin Ruiyang was a little late getting on stage, so he was at the end of the line. When it was Elder Chang's turn to present the certificate, he didn't hand it to him directly, but instead shook Lin's hand and said into the microphone:
"When this kid wrote 'The Three Battles with the White Bone Demon,' he wasn't even as old as my grandson. I was wondering back then if there really was such a thing as being born with a gift from God? Now it seems that the well that the literature department nurtured hasn't run dry yet."
A burst of good-natured laughter erupted from the audience.
"Next, please welcome Lin Ruiyang, the award recipient from Yenching Film Academy, to give his acceptance speech."
As the host spoke, Lin Ruiyang, holding the heavy red certificate, spoke into the microphone:
"Thank you to the judges and seniors of the organizing committee for their recognition, and to my mentor, Mr. Liu Yibing, for his support along the way."
For me, theater is the altar of words, and I am merely an apprentice just beginning to ascend it. In this era of rapid development in audiovisual language, I hope to use the depth of the script to support the breadth of film. Thank you!
As soon as he finished speaking, the applause from the audience was much louder than before.
Sitting in the audience, Liu Yibing applauded in approval of the speech, which both saved face for his seniors and subtly revealed his aspirations as a filmmaker.
The awards ceremony proceeded as scheduled.
Lin Ruiyang sat in the audience, listening to all the performances interspersed throughout, as well as the introductions of the award-winning works.
There are operas about rural transformation, plays about historical figures, and experimental scripts about the changing family relationships in the process of urbanization.
Each one has its own structure, and he silently noted down the titles of a few that he wanted to reread in detail.
The awards ceremony concluded after the screenplay awards were presented.
The lights came back on, and the crowd began to move into the side hall. The banquet was held in the side hall of the grand theater, where crystal chandeliers illuminated everyone's expressions.
The venue was transformed into a temporary social gathering place, complete with white tablecloths, a buffet table, and figures carrying wine glasses as they moved about.
Lin Ruiyang had seen similar situations in his previous life, but he always felt uncomfortable. He stood aside with his cup in hand, trying not to block anyone's way.
"Ruiyang, come here." Liu Yibing was talking to a few people in a corner and waved to him.
Lin Ruiyang walked over and found that in addition to Chang Baohua, there were two other middle-aged men.
"This is the secretary-general of the Drama Association, and Chairman Liang from the province," Liu Yibing introduced.
"Lin, your speech on stage just now was very insightful." Chairman Liang patted him on the shoulder with a smile.
"Nowadays, filmmakers all complain that scriptwriting is too slow and that literature is too heavy. The fact that you can say that literature is the root after winning an award shows that you not only have talent, but also perseverance."
Chang Baohua chimed in from the side, "Having willpower alone isn't enough; you also need organization. Ruiyang, I heard from Yibing yesterday that you're still a sophomore?"
According to the rules, a nomination for the Cao Yu Award is enough to qualify for membership. If you have no objections, let Yibing be your recommender, and I'll be the seconder. Fill out the membership application."
Invitation to join the Dramatists Association!
Lin Ruiyang's heart skipped a beat. In 2004, this was not just a title, but also a talisman within the industry.
At that time, the film industry was still dominated by factions, and with his identity as a member of the Drama Association, he also gained a background as a traditional intellectual.
In addition, he has teachers who are members of the Film and Television Art Committee of the Writers Association, vice presidents of the Future Film Literature Society, and members of the 01 Golden Rooster Awards jury. He doesn't need to worry about those backstabbing villains in the future.
"Being able to join and learn is something I've been longing for. Thank you, Elder Chang, and thank you to all the seniors for your guidance," Lin Ruiyang immediately replied with his thanks.
"Don't thank me yet, you'll have to do your homework once you join," Chang Baohua said half-jokingly.
"I've heard about your script. Keep working on it, I want to sit in the front row for the premiere next year."
After declining several dinner invitations from local drama association leaders, Lin Ruiyang accompanied Liu Yibing back to the hotel.
The old man was clearly in a very good mood today; after returning to his room, he even asked the waiter to bring him a pot of Shaoxing rice wine.
"Do you know why we recruited you?"
Liu Yibing poured himself a small cup of wine, and after drinking it, a bit of color returned to his previously dry face.
"The teacher wants me to have a sense of belonging," Lin Ruiyang said obediently, sitting to the side.
"The foundation is one aspect, but the rules are even more important." Liu Yibing pointed to the certificate covered with stamps on the table.
"After joining the WTO, with the development of the past two years, the film industry is now too superficial."
You saw what happened with Lu Taro, so why is Liu Yujun so persistent in pursuing him? Because beyond the law, there's a scale of literary morality. Besides, even within the directing department alone, there are numerous factions...
Once you join the Drama Association, every word you say will be endorsed by the organization, but this is also a constraint, understand?
Lin Ruiyang nodded.
He recalled the writers from his past life whose published works were exposed, and the screenwriters, directors, and producers who recklessly altered scripts for the sake of traffic, most of whom ended up with a ruined reputation.
"I understand, teacher. I will cherish my reputation."
In 2004, the year of blockbuster films, while Feng Xiaogang and Stephen Chow were still fighting tooth and nail for box office revenue during the Lunar New Year season, he had already laid his own deep roots at a more fundamental level.