Chinese director finds success in the 'Hollywood way'
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Still from Sophie's Revenge |
Recently named to Hollywood Reporter's Next Generation Asia 2010 list, Jin Yimeng has attracted attention to herself for her unconventional working style. Jin, who wrote, directed and produced the 2009 box office hit Sophie's Revenge (Fei chang wan mei), became the first Chinese filmmaker to make a movie the "Hollywood way."
Telling the story of a scorned woman trying to get back at her ex, Sophie's Revenge has all the hallmarks of a Hollywood romantic comedy. It stars well-known actresses and actors, such as Zhang Ziyi, Fan Bingbing, Yao Chen and So Ji Sub from Korea. It has a humorous plot, attractive clothes and urban, contemporary settings. But besides incorporating stereotypical Hollywood elements into her film, Jin's approach was perhaps even more distinctly American.
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Jin Yimeng |
Her unique style was cultivated during her studies at Florida State University, where she earned a master's degree in filmmaking in 2003. There, she learned how to produce standard commercial films. On her first day, she was surprised to find that she and her classmates would be making real movies instead of listening to lectures. Every student had to help others as director, producer, photographer or art designer.
"Everyone's time and resources were limited," Jin said. "I remembered once I was left only 10 days to shoot a film. You must make full use of every minute or money will be wasted. I was forced to figure out how to shoot the most important scenes in the shortest time. I had four scenes to shoot in half an hour. Finally I fused them as one. It was a tough challenge for my creativity. But my potential and ability were fully developed. And I understood how Hollywood could produce so many great movies."
Another lesson Jin learned was the Hollywood way of writing a story. In the U.S., a story must be precisely settled before any filming is done. Everything appears on to the screen at a certain moment. A team of people will discuss a story to make sure audiences won't leave their seats. Only in this way can a movie get investment.
"But in China, directors can change the screenplay anytime as they like, which is unimaginable in Hollywood," Jin said.
Jin learned the techniques well. Her short horror film, The 17th Man (2004), won the 2004 Grand Prize Short Film Award at the Action/Cut Short Film Competition, one of the most prestigious film competitions in the world.
Her early success has now led to box office success. Sophie's Revenge earned almost 97 million yuan (US$14.2 million), making Jin the second most profitable female director in China.
"It's the best time to produce commercial movies in China," Jin said. "I'm lucky to work in this industry."
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