Eunuch, do you really know these martial arts?

However, Wei Zheng still spoke with some concern and caution.

The biggest fear with their payment method is what happens next. If they stop paying halfway through filming, we'll be in real trouble.

Although Wei Zheng is just a new director, he has heard a lot of similar stories in the industry.

Many aspiring directors find themselves unable to continue filming halfway through, and are forced to resort to debt-ridden methods to finish the project.

The outcome was disastrous; he ended up with a huge debt and then disappeared into the vast sea of ​​people.

Although Wei Zheng was very confident in his script, he was also afraid of going down that path.

"It's alright, I'm here for you."

Upon hearing these words, Jiang Nian calmly patted him on the shoulder.

This action by the other side was entirely within his expectations.

Now that he heard that General Manager Zhao had specifically sought to cooperate with him and was even willing to invest money, he guessed that they would definitely take some action.

Using such methods is a gross underestimation of him.

At that moment, he looked around and found that everyone was rehearsing there.

"How are the rehearsals going? How is the TV series progressing so far? It probably hasn't officially started filming yet; they're just discussing some of the plot details."

Tang Youyou also came over and said.

"There are no major problems. Director Wei Zheng is indeed excellent. Almost every actor he selects can perfectly portray their role."

"There are a few ensemble scenes, but there are still some issues."

Tang Youyou also kept her voice relatively low.

He does have some acting experience, but the others don't.

Most of them were students from the school, and their performances in the short clips were quite good.

However, once you get the detailed script, it becomes quite difficult to play the role well.

Moreover, once a large number of actors come out together and perform a complex situation, things can get quite chaotic.

Upon hearing these words, Wei Zheng frowned and rubbed his temples repeatedly.

Before, when there were no films to shoot, I was constantly running around, which exhausted my body because I couldn't find funding.

But now that filming has officially started, I realize that it's my brain that's tired.

Although all of this was expected, seeking out these newcomers to perform was a last resort.

After all, they couldn't afford to hire too many actors.

But he didn't expect it to be so difficult to portray them well.

Each of them is clearly the most suitable candidate, but when they are put together, things are different.

Wei Zheng smiled wryly and briefly explained the situation: "Yes, it was an ensemble piece, but it just felt a bit off. It wasn't natural enough, and the comedic rhythm just didn't come through."

Jiang Nian nodded, without looking at the monitor playback, and went straight to the actors.

"Let me see the script."

Tang Youyou quickly handed over the script.

Jiang Nian quickly glanced at the content of the scene.

The main characters are chatting and complaining to each other in a bar.

"I know all the lines by heart, and my blocking is fine too."

Jiang Nian closed the script and looked at everyone. "The problem might be that you're all too eager to create a comedic effect."

He walked to the center of the space, casually pulled over a bar chair and sat down, then waved to Hu Yifei: "Yifei, come here, let's pretend we're in a bar right now."

"I'm not Jiang Nian, I'm Zeng Xiaoxian. I just told you I got scolded by my boss again."

Hu Yifei was a little stunned after being called out.

However, after seeing Jiang Nian's actions, he immediately understood.

He then grabbed his script and immediately went over to Jiang Nian to rehearse their lines.

Then Jiang Nian kept changing positions, and in a short period of time, he performed all the scripts of Hu Yifei, Zeng Xiaoxian and the other main actors, acting out scenes with them one by one.

In just a few minutes, the personality traits of several main characters on set were vividly portrayed through precise imitation and guidance.

He wasn't playing a fixed role, but rather demonstrating a state of being.

A state that brings characters to life, allows dialogue to flow naturally, and lets comedy arise naturally from the clash of characters' personalities.

The entire set was completely silent.

Everyone was amazed by Jiang Nian's incredible live teaching skills.

This is more intuitive and profound than any theoretical explanation!
Jiang Nian stopped, regained her usual composure, and smiled at everyone.

"do you understand?"

"Comedy is not about reciting lines or making exaggerated facial expressions."

"You have to truly become that person, believe in that situation, and then react in the most natural way that person would."

"Your lines are the skeleton, but the real flesh and blood is the soul you give to the characters."

He walked up to Wei Zheng and said to Wei Zheng, who was equally dumbfounded:
"Director Wei, let them try again."

"Don't think too much this time. Just imagine yourself as that person, chatting and joking with your friends in a bar."

Wei Zheng snapped out of his daze and nodded excitedly, "Good! Good!"

"All departments, get ready! We're going to shoot one more take!"

After the break, the actors returned to the stage.

This time, the atmosphere was completely different.

After Jiang Nian's guidance, they seemed to have unlocked their full potential.

Hu Yifei's scolding is more realistic and engaging, while Zeng Xiaoxian's jerkiness is more natural and deserving of a beating.

Lu Ziqiao's instigation was perfectly timed, and Chen Meijia's infatuation and dazed state were completely natural.

Guan Gu's misunderstandings are endearingly silly, Tang Youyou's off-topic ramblings are rhythmic, and Zhang Wei's scheming and stinginess are vividly portrayed...

The entire performance was smooth and natural, with numerous jokes that felt completely forced.

It is full of life.

The staff on site couldn't help but laugh, but quickly covered their mouths, afraid of affecting the recording.

"Pass!"

Wei Zheng looked at the monitor, so excited he almost jumped up, his voice trembling.

"Perfect! This is exactly the feeling I wanted! Teacher Jiang Nian, you are truly amazing!"

The film passed in one take, and the actors were overjoyed. They surrounded Jiang Nian, expressing their gratitude and admiration in a flurry of voices.

"Teacher Jiang! You were absolutely brilliant just now! How come I didn't think of that?" Zeng Xiaoxian exclaimed with admiration.

"Teacher Jiang Nian, can you read minds?"

"How can you see through each of us so clearly!"

Hu Yifei also showed a rare expression of admiration, like a little girl.

Jiang Nian smiled and waved his hand: "It's because you all have this potential."

"I'm just helping you wipe the dust off the gems."

"Remember how you feel today, and the filming will get smoother and smoother from here on out."

They found their rhythm perfectly, and the crew could continue filming. Everyone was very excited.

However, this excitement didn't appear in Mr. Zhao's eyes at all.

Many of the crew members were specially arranged by General Manager Zhao, so he quickly learned about the situation on the set.

But when they actually started filming and it turned out pretty well, Mr. Zhao couldn't hold back anymore.

After all, he had no intention of actually letting Wei Zheng and his group make money.

Just as Wei Zheng was discussing the details of the living room feature wall with the art director.

Mr. Zhao's assistant called. "Hello."

Wei Zheng answered the phone politely.

"Director Wei, hello! I hope I haven't disturbed you?"

"President Zhao is very concerned about the progress of the 'iPartment' project. I heard that the production team has been successfully assembled, which is very gratifying."

"Mr. Zhao's idea is to send a producer to the production team to assist you in daily operations management and financial supervision, so as to ensure that project funds are used efficiently and in a standardized manner. This is also a way of being responsible to the investors."

"Look..."

Wei Zheng's heart skipped a beat.

Send a producer to oversee the project?

It's called assistance, but it's actually supervision, and it might even be a prelude to a power grab.

He had been working at the bottom of this circle for many years and was very familiar with this kind of routine.

Once investors are deeply involved in the core of creation and management, the director can easily be sidelined.

"This one……"

Wei Zheng tried his best to keep his voice steady, "Thank you very much for your concern and support, Mr. Zhao."

"However, the project is still in its early stages. Although the tasks are tedious, my team and I can manage."

"Moreover, our budget is limited, and we may not have the extra space and budget to accommodate producers at the moment."

"Once the project enters the formal filming stage, if needed, we will ask Mr. Zhao to send someone to provide guidance. What do you think?"

The assistant on the other end of the phone was silent for a few seconds, then laughed.

"Director Wei, you're too kind."

"The expenses for the people sent by President Zhao will naturally be borne by Xinghui, and will not increase the burden on the production team."

"The main reason is that it must be very hard for you as the director."

"With professionals helping you share the burden, you can focus more on your artistic creation, right?"

The words were well-chosen, but the intention was obvious.

Wei Zheng's heart sank. He knew that the other party had come prepared and would not give up easily.

"I understand Mr. Zhao's good intentions."

Wei Zheng insisted, "The crew is just starting out, and many working methods are still being worked out. Suddenly adding a new person might actually affect efficiency."

"Let's wait until things are sorted out on our end before we trouble Mr. Zhao to send someone over. We will certainly give them a warm welcome then."

After some tactful back-and-forth, the assistant, seeing Wei Zheng's resolute attitude, had no choice but to give up for the time being, but his tone was noticeably colder.

"Alright, since Director Wei insists, I'll reply to President Zhao as follows for now."

"However, Director Wei, President Zhao has high hopes for this project and also hopes that the production team can operate transparently so that subsequent funding support can be smoother, don't you agree?"

"Of course, of course, please rest assured, Mr. Zhao, we will definitely manage in a standardized manner and report progress regularly."

Wei Zheng quickly assured him.

After hanging up the phone, Wei Zheng let out a long sigh of relief.

A cold sweat broke out on my back.

He knew this was just the first test, and the other party would never give up easily.

"Director Wei, what's wrong? You look so pale."

Tang Youyou happened to walk over and asked with concern.

Wei Zheng briefly recounted the contents of the previous call.

Tang Youyou frowned as well: "They want to get involved so soon? This is just the beginning."

"Yes."

Wei Zheng sighed, "It seems this money is a hot potato. Teacher Jiang Nian was right to warn us; the other party really didn't have good intentions."

"Then what do we do?"

Tang Youyou was somewhat worried.

"there is always a solution to a problem."

Wei Zheng rubbed his face and cheered himself up. "The most important thing now is to get the preliminary work done as soon as possible and strive to start filming as soon as possible."

"Only when the film is made and there is a finished product can we speak with more confidence."

"Yes!" Tang Youyou nodded vigorously. "We all support you, Director Wei!"

At the same time, Jiang Nian also learned through Yang Mi's channels that Xinghui Capital was trying to send people to the film crew.

He wasn't surprised by this, and simply sent Wei Zheng a short message:

"If you have any funding problems, remember to contact me."

Jiang Nian's composure reassured Wei Zheng.

Since Jiang Nian dared to let him take on this money, he must have made some preparations.

What I need to do now is withstand the pressure and make a good film.

However, the tree wants to be quiet but the wind keeps on.

A few days later, an even bigger storm quietly descended.

A highly influential entertainment gossip weekly suddenly published an article.

The title is: Is Wei Zheng, the 'genius director' strongly supported by Jiang Nian, actually a tyrant on set?

The report included anonymous interviews with several so-called "former staff members".
It vividly describes how Wei Zheng was short-tempered, domineering, and mistreated staff when shooting some short commercials.

It even implied that he lacked ability.

This article immediately sparked considerable discussion online.

Although Wei Zheng is not very famous, his involvement with Jiang Nian instantly made him a hot topic.

"I knew it! Why would Jiang Nian value a new director so much? Turns out he has special management methods."

"A tyrant on set? That's too much! I feel sorry for the crew."

"It seems there are big internal problems with the 'iPartment' project. There's already so much negative news before filming even started."

"Did Jiang Nian misjudge the situation this time?"

Various voices of doubt and criticism began to emerge.

Although some rational voices argued against blindly believing everything they heard, negative public opinion clearly prevailed.

When Wei Zheng saw the report, he was so angry that he trembled all over.

He had absolutely no recollection of the so-called "former staff" mentioned in the report, and those accusations were completely fabricated!

He admits that he is serious and even a bit harsh when it comes to his work, but he is by no means a tyrant and has never mistreated anyone!
"This is slander! Utter slander!"

Wei Zheng's hands were trembling as he held the magazine in the preparatory office.

The surrounding actors and staff were also indignant. They had spent time with Wei Zheng and knew that although he was strict, he was an upright person who took good care of everyone.

"It must be Xinghui Capital's doing!" Hu Yifei, with her fiery temper, slammed her hand on the table. "When sending people in didn't work, they started resorting to underhanded tactics!"

"This is outrageous! Should we issue a statement to refute this?" Zeng Xiaoxian was also furious.

Tang Youyou was relatively calmer: "We definitely need to refute the rumors, but it's difficult for us to find evidence to directly refute these anonymous reports."

"The most urgent task is to stabilize morale and prevent ourselves from losing our composure. I believe the innocent will prove themselves innocent!"

Just then, Wei Zheng's phone rang. It was Mr. Zhao from Xinghui Capital calling personally.

"Director Wei, I saw the news!"

"Oh dear, how did this happen?"

"This is very bad for our project's image!"

"The investors are quite worried now; we're afraid we'll have some trouble securing follow-up funding." (End of Chapter)