Word-knitted Fantasies and Poem-like Frames: Zhang Ji and His Friends Talk about Playwriting
As long as you have a complete script, storyline and logline, you can submit your project to the Project Pitches of the BJIFF Beijing Film Market. The BJIFF Project Pitches has collected many projects by independent screenwriters with such simple and open application conditions. This year, we are honored to have renowned screenwriter Zhang Ji as Beijing Film Market Art Director. And a Dialogue on Playwriting among Zhang Ji and His Friends was specially organized to provide a unique, fresh and inspiring exchange platform for young filmmakers.
Zhang Ji, Beijing Film Market Art Director, renowned director and screenwriter, Dong Runnian, director and screenwriter, and You Xiaoying, screenwriter, had an in-depth dialogue on creative difficulties, current filmmaking trends and industry anecdotes, etc. With lively and intriguing vibe, those three panelists kept the audience laughing about their witty remarks and exciting Q&As.
Beijing Film Market Dialogue on Playwriting
Zhang Ji started the dialogue with Johnny Keep Walking!, a hit commercial film released in early 2024, and talked with Dong Runnian, director of the film, about filmmaking challenges and pressures this year. On one hand, the audience have increasingly clear demands for films, and form their viewing habits; on the other hand, top film companies are struggling with profiteering, thus narrowing their investment in limited genres. Against such a backdrop, Zhang Ji pointed out, “Creators should adapt to or anticipate trends of the era.”
Dong Runnian
Dong Runnian noted that when he first began writing film script and working with different directors, he noticed directors’ attributes of strong will, self-doubt and self-denial. Painful as creation and collaboration might be, they are essential for making good films.
Three filmmakers also talked about impacts of short videos on the film market. In screenwriter You Xiaoying’s opinion, films should be more straightforward and relatable to the audience, which is quite challenging for many creators to change their narration. When Zhang Ji asked if they were happy with the changes, You Xiaoying replied with a sense of humor, “Sure, I love the screenplay profession.”
You Xiaoying
Love Education and Sister written by You Xiaoying in recent years are very popular. She also elaborated on her unique insights into genre-specific films, and women-focused subject matters as a female screenwriter. She hoped that women-focused subject matters won’t be marginalized or concerned by the minority. Instead, they should be mankind’s common concern. That’s the way forward, and what female creators should strive for.
In the end, You Xiaoying shared how she deals with creative bottleneck. She ran across the concept of “terminator” in a geography book, “All you have to do is surpass the terminator. There may be moments of darkness behind the terminator line. But there is daylight ahead. So hang in there.”
Beijing Film Market Dialogue on Playwriting
From first character on paper to last cut, the filmmaking process is long and hard. Nevertheless, the constant pursuit and hardship make films irresistible. The BJIFF keeps company of young filmmakers through the glorious filmmaking process, and together they experience the affection and shock from the bottom of their hearts.
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