Huayu Entertainment 1995 started with hijacking.

Chapter 102 Recruiting talents
Some younger viewers may not have seen "The Passionate Years" and may not know how popular it was back then. However, most people have probably seen its "successor," the phenomenal "Parents' Love." It's fair to say that "The Passionate Years" was just as popular as "Parents' Love" was!
It aired at the end of 2001 and was broadcast repeatedly on various TV stations. CCTV, which initially didn't think much of the subject matter, regretted it and bought it back to broadcast on CCTV. It was a hit throughout 2002, with newspapers and radio stations using fixed phrases like "XX's Burning Years". Then, in 2003, the Spring Festival Gala invited the original cast and crew of the TV series to perform a short drama called "Passion Remains".

Compared to "Bright Sword," which focuses more on the battlefield, "The Passionate Years" emphasizes family life, which is why it's often compared to "Parents' Love." When "Parents' Love" first aired, there were even accusations online that it plagiarized "The Passionate Years," sparking a war of words between fans of both shows.

However, "The Passionate Years" is indeed the originator of this type of military daily life drama, and it also created a genre, so it is no exaggeration to call it a classic.

It might not be as popular as "Bright Sword" for ten or twenty years, but in this era, it will definitely be a blockbuster hit, and it can easily remain popular for two or three years. This is why Wu Yuchen listed it as one of their company's top TV series.

This show was incredibly popular, but its three main actors later became somewhat "toxic."

First, there's Sun Haiying and Lü Liping, a married couple who fell in love during filming. While still in China, they repeatedly made outrageous, pro-foreign, and sycophantic remarks. After immigrating to the United States, they completely became "spiritual foreigners," constantly praising their American "father" and slandering China. They even converted to a religion there. Their words and actions are best left unmentioned; anyway, no matter how good their acting is, Wu Yuchen wouldn't consider them.

Then there's Huang Haibo, who played the eldest son. Actually, Wu Yuchen knew that this guy's so-called "chicken scandal" was probably set up. Anyone with eyes could see that he had offended someone. Not only did he call a prostitute while drunk, but it was also his driver who reported him. That's too fake!
However, Wu Yuchen doesn't plan to look for Huang Haibo anymore. Putting aside the question of whether he was wronged or not, he hasn't even enrolled in the Beijing Film Academy yet, so why bother looking for him when he hasn't even taught him any acting skills?

The three main actors will definitely be replaced; we'll have to discuss it with the director.

Although Wu Yuchen values ​​"The Passionate Years," he certainly doesn't have the time to do it himself; he doesn't even have enough time to film movies, let alone spare for a TV series. However, there's plenty of talent, and it's time to add some more personnel to the company.

In a hotel room at the Wuxi Water Margin City in Jiangsu Province, a group of men sat around Zhang Jizhong, the production manager.

Zhang Dahuzi laughed and said, "Everyone, we started preparing to film 'Water Margin' in 1994, and it's been four years now. We're finally nearing the end!"

Everyone smiled upon hearing this, after all, this was truly a massive project, and only they themselves knew how many difficulties and obstacles they had encountered. For example, Zhang Jizhong, the production director, was involved in a serious car accident and had to lie on the operating table for seven hours before he was out of danger.

Zhang Jizhong then clapped his hands again: "There are only a few scenes left. Let's all work harder and try to wrap up filming before the Lantern Festival so we can go back home and enjoy our retirement!"

Everyone responded with agreement, and then dispersed amidst laughter and chatter.

Just then, Zhang Dahuzi's phone rang. He answered it as usual and said, "Hello, this is Zhang Jizhong."

Upon hearing the other party's self-introduction, Zhang Dahuzi's heart stirred. He had heard of Wu Yuchen before; he was a genius director who had recently emerged from the Beijing Film Studio. He immediately smiled and exchanged pleasantries with him.

"Director Wu, hello, hello... You have a new novel that you want to adapt into a TV series?"

Director Wu, this is unfortunate. I'm busy with "Water Margin" right now. I estimate that post-production will take about half a year. I don't have the time!
"Hmm? You're looking for Xiaokang? Oh, no problem, I'll call him over right away!"

Zhang Jizhong originally thought the caller was looking for him, but it turned out to be for one of his assistant directors, Kang Honglei. However, this was a good thing for Kang Honglei, so he naturally wouldn't stop him.

Zhang Jizhong called Kang Honglei, who hadn't gone far, over after a few steps: "Kang, good news! Someone wants you to direct a TV series!"

Kang Honglei perked up upon hearing this. He studied acting in 1979, became an actor in 1982, and after failing the entrance exam for the Central Academy of Drama in 1985, he switched to working behind the scenes. In 1988, he went to Inner Mongolia TV Station and started as a script supervisor. For eight years, he was an unofficial staff member. He didn't receive a penny of salary for the first four years, and he worked entirely out of his passion for film and television.

He's been in a good mood lately. After eight years of hard work, the TV station is now discussing his permanent employment. Unexpectedly, good news keeps coming – this time, someone has approached him to independently direct a TV series!

After Kang Honglei answered the phone, he heard a young voice on the other end:

"Is that director Kang Honglei?"

"No, no, I'm just the assistant director."

"Haha, Director Kang is too modest. There were four filming crews for 'Water Margin,' and the fact that you were able to lead one of them proves that you are absolutely capable!"

Kang Honglei wasn't very talkative, so he just smiled when he heard this.

"Director Kang, Director Zhang just mentioned it to you, right? I have a new novel that's about to be published, and I'd like to adapt it into a TV series. Funding isn't a problem, but I'm lacking a good director who has the right style and ability. I wonder if Director Kang would be willing?"

Although Kang Honglei was delighted, he wasn't blinded by it. He was a person who pursued quality and had his own set of aesthetics; he wasn't willing to shoot just anything.

"Can I see the script first?"

"No problem, here's what I'll do: I'll send you a copy of the original novel, I'm sure you'll be satisfied!"

"By the way, I haven't finished filming 'Water Margin' yet. I probably won't have time until March," Kang Honglei added.

Before Wu Yuchen could speak, Zhang Dahuzi, sitting opposite him, interrupted:

"No need, no need. We're almost done filming. Such a big production team wouldn't miss having an assistant director like you, would they? Xiao Kang, you haven't been home for Chinese New Year in three years. Pack your things and go home!"

Director Wu, you don't need to send it anymore. I'll have Xiao Kang go to Beijing tomorrow!

As a producer, Zhang Dahuzi is far more adept at interpersonal relationships than Kang Honglei, who is a man of few words. When someone is willing to invest in an opportunity for you to direct independently, even if you don't like the script, you still have to show the right attitude in the early stages and take the initiative to visit them. This way, you can collaborate again when a suitable opportunity arises in the future.

Zhang Dahuzi had been working with Kang Honglei for several years, so naturally he was willing to help him if he could. Moreover, what he just said was true. There were a total of nine assistant directors for "Water Margin," and now the ending does indeed have one less scene, which is no less.

After hanging up the phone, Wu Yuchen chuckled. This bearded man was indeed a fascinating character. As a producer, his abilities in all aspects were undoubtedly outstanding. Viewers might be annoyed by his various attempts to ride the coattails of others' popularity and create hype, but for the drama itself, it greatly increased its exposure. However, for the time being, Wu Yuchen couldn't handle this bearded man yet; he was currently thriving at CCTV.

Kang Honglei was different. His treatment was never very good. Even though he later produced huge hits like "The Passionate Years" and "Soldiers Sortie" in his previous life, he still couldn't afford a house in Beijing.

He has the workaholic personality of an ox; he doesn't discuss his income with investors, only focusing on the quality of the show. It wasn't until after filming "My Chief and My Regiment" that he resolved his "financial crisis" and bought a house in Beijing.

Wu Yuchen really likes directors who don't cause trouble, just focus on their work, and have basically never produced a bad drama, while occasionally creating a hit!

If Kang Honglei follows him in the future, he will naturally be given the treatment he deserves, and Wu Yuchen can guarantee that.

The following day, Wu Yuchen began the post-production work of "My Brothers and Sisters". In fact, the Beijing Film Studio had a full range of talents in this area, so he did not need to follow the whole process. He mainly focused on editing and music composition. He personally took charge of editing, and he accurately described all the requirements for music composition.

A few days later, Wu Yuchen sat opposite Kang Honglei in a private room.

Wu Yuchen, having roughly grasped Kang Honglei's personality, proactively asked with a smile, "Director Kang, you finished watching it in one day? How was it? Are you interested?"

Upon hearing this, Kang Honglei's face lit up with an excited smile:
"I'm so interested! Director Wu, to be honest, I haven't put the book down since I got it. After finishing it yesterday, I cried my eyes out on the toilet and couldn't sleep much all night. My mind was filled with images of Shi Guangrong and his family. If this drama can be made, I'd be willing to work for free!"

Wu Yuchen appreciated his enthusiastic attitude and waved his hand, saying:

"No, you'll definitely get the director's benefits you deserve. I plan to invest a total of 500 million yuan, with 100 million yuan going to the production team initially for pre-production, and the rest going to the production team in installments."

Kang Honglei was overjoyed upon hearing this. This was 97 million yuan in 500! Actors' salaries weren't high back then, and 500 million yuan was enough to make the "Passionate Years" he envisioned!

Then Wu Yuchen asked, "Director Kang, do you have any ideas about the casting of the main characters?"

Kang Honglei thought for a moment and said:

"The most important role is Shi Guangrong. He's a soldier, with a resilient and decisive character, and an indomitable spirit. But at the same time, he's also impulsive and hot-tempered, with a patriarchal style and a tendency to be autocratic. I think we should first consider actors with military experience, or those who have played soldiers before. Then there's age; they can't be too young, ideally around 40, so they can portray the character from middle age to old age. And also…"

Kang Honglei undoubtedly had many thoughts, and he blurted them all out.

After listening, Wu Yuchen said, "Director Kang, your idea is very good, and it coincides with mine. I have also thought of some actors to choose from. Please listen to them."

The first one is Li Youbin, born in 58, now 39 years old. He never served in the military, but he played the male lead, a soldier, in the 94 TV series "Tides Rise and Fall," and the effect was excellent. Director Kang, if you haven't seen it, you should check it out.

Many people think that Li Youbin came from the military arts troupe, but that's not actually the case. He only joined the army in 02 because he was specially recruited. He played soldiers so well that his courage and integrity were deeply appreciated by the people, and he was specially recruited by the leaders.

Wu Yuchen continued, "The second one is Zhang Guangbei, born in 59, 38 years old. He joined the army in 76 and later entered the Central Academy of Drama. His acting skills and temperament are beyond reproach."

The third is Zhang Fengyi, born in 1956, 40 years old. He spent six years in a performing arts troupe and has good acting skills, but he's now very famous and has many film offers, so he might not be easy to hire.

Wu Yuchen knew that Zhang Fengyi would most likely be joining the cast of Kai Zi's "The Emperor's Shadow" this year, and he certainly wouldn't let their small TV series ruin Director Chen's opportunity.

Wu Yuchen and Kang Honglei recounted the details one by one, analyzing the general situation. In fact, the original actress, Sun Haiying, was also born in 56, about the same age as these other people.

Kang Honglei considered the options carefully before saying, "I think we still need to have them audition, otherwise we won't be able to tell who is the most suitable."

Wu Yuchen naturally had no objection to this. They then discussed the other candidates for the roles, listing the actors they thought were suitable and sending out audition invitations. They would also announce the casting to the public, hoping to find someone even more suitable.

After chatting for a while, Kang Honglei asked, "Director Wu, will you be the producer?"

Wu Yuchen shook his head: "I estimate I'll be busy with my own projects by then, so I won't have the time."

"Then you'll have to find me someone with experience. Our film will likely involve dealing with the military and other parties. I can act, but I really can't do these kinds of things," Kang Honglei said with a wry smile.

Wu Yuchen understood. Producers are very important to the production team. The reason why Kang Honglei was willing to follow Zhang Dahuzi in his previous life was because Zhang Dahuzi could handle everything for him, so he only needed to focus on filming.

Miracle Films does have graduates with relevant film and television management majors, but they are all too young and lack sufficient experience. They can learn from others, but they might not be suitable to be producers for a film crew.

Wu Yuchen asked, "Director Kang, do you have any producers you recommend or anyone you'd enjoy working with?"

Kang Honglei thought for a moment and said, "There are a total of 9 producers for 'Water Margin,' all of whom are quite capable. I estimate that 'Water Margin' will be finished filming after the New Year, and some of them will definitely be free then. Should I call and ask them later?"

Wu Yuchen laughed when he heard this. This was great. Those who came out of "Water Margin" were basically all capable: "Okay, you guys have been working together for several years now. It would be even better if you could bring in someone who has good chemistry with you!"

After the two agreed, Kang Honglei contacted and recruited a producer named Meng Fanyao from the Water Margin production team. Meng Fanyao has been in the industry for almost 10 years and won the Feitian Award and Golden Eagle Award in 93 when he served as the producer of "Oriental Merchant".

Wu Yuchen had heard of his name in his previous life. He was the one who initiated and planned "Qiao Family Courtyard". Naturally, he was very happy to welcome him into the group. With this, there was no need to worry about the casting of "The Passionate Years". They just had to wait for the auditions to begin after the New Year!
(End of this chapter)