Chinese Entertainment Intelligence King

Chapter 264 A Second Reenactment of King Zhou, Recruiting Another General

The cast and crew of "Fengshen Bang 2"

Because the original story focused on King Wu's conquest of King Zhou, and with script adjustments, the scenes involving the Shang Dynasty were significantly reduced.

Yan Li's scenes will last for about 20 to 30 days. The filming time is not long and the number of scenes is not large, but they are quite fragmented.

Because he is the leader and villain of the Yin Shang dynasty, wherever Jiang Ziya and his men fight, he has to show up to express his anger and shock, and then set up the next challenge.

So, Yan Li changed six outfits and went to three different locations for his scenes the day before, and heard a series of bad news.

"Jiang Ziya actually broke through Sishui Pass. What is Han Rong good for?"

"Pass down the order: Jiepai Pass and the surrounding passes shall fully support the Jie Sect immortals' Immortal Slaughtering Formation."

"You scoundrel! Didn't you tell me that Zhang Kui and Gao Lanying were invincible, and that even Huang Feihu died at their hands? How could they have lost Tongguan?"

"What? Yuan Hong was defeated too?"

"..."

These scenes are scattered throughout the play, which is actually not bad, but if they were filmed all in one day, it would be a complete collapse, comparable to a living Chiang Kai-shek.

The director is quite skilled; although this arrangement is a bit troublesome, it's definitely very suitable for the actors to immerse themselves in their roles.

Yan Li's blood pressure would rise slightly as soon as he got into character.

There was no way around it; it was almost all bad news. Watching the country fall into ruin was an unimaginable feeling, not to mention that Yan Li himself was a businessman who built his empire, making him even more relatable than the average actor.

From initial surprise and displeasure, to anger and anxiety in the middle stage, and then to a lingering sense of despondency and despair in the later stage.

He grasped the overall tone of the entire King Zhou story in one go, so the crew and actors had a clear idea of ​​what to expect and could simply follow the plot.

Yan Li clicked his tongue and couldn't help but remark to Fan Xiaopang during the break, "This new director is pretty good."

The first installment of "Investiture of the Gods" was directed by Jin Guozhao, a director from Taiwan. Because his collaboration with Yongle was not going well, a new director was appointed for the second installment.

The new director was someone Yongle found, but it was with Yi'an's consent, and Yan Li seems to have even looked at his information.

“Jiang…”

"Jiang Jiajun".

Fan Xiaopang said the other person's name, and Yan Li nodded. This person is from Hong Kong and has a good background. He acted in Andy Lau's "The Twelve Young Masters of Temple Street" and many Hong Kong police and gangster dramas in his early years.

At the beginning of the century, she chose to move north, mainly to film TV dramas. Her representative work is "A Match Made in Heaven" starring Ruby Lin and Lu Yi.

Although not very famous, he has representative works and a certain level of ability and experience.

There are many Hong Kong and Taiwan directors like this in the industry, and they are the main force in making TV dramas. Their upper and lower limits are not low. They have the opportunity to work on big productions, and when they are not busy, they will also take on low-budget or even mass-production dramas.

"What's wrong? Are you interested in him?"

Fan Xiaopang knew Yan Li well; he wouldn't mention a person or event without a reason. Such behavior was most likely because Jiang had caught his eye.

"There's some trick to it, but no rush, let's observe further."

Yi'an has developed rapidly, but the accumulation of talent has lagged behind, especially in terms of directors and producers who can stand on their own. There are not many of them.

Fortunately, in terms of TV dramas, Yi An prefers a producer-centric system, with the company handling all aspects such as planning, scriptwriting, costumes, props, and actors, which greatly reduces and distributes the director's power.

The advantage is stability; it can have a relatively high lower limit.

The downside is that stability can stifle creativity to some extent. Yi'an has achieved good results in the past two years, but its hit products are all "by chance".

But then again, this is the normal ecosystem of the film and television industry. There aren't that many blockbusters; it's already impressive if there's a certain minimum standard.

Yan Li personally thinks this approach is correct, but it would be even better to recruit some capable talents during this period.

No business or project is static; adjustments and changes should be made as needed.

If he has the ability, Yan Li can make an exception and delegate authority to some people.

He's so powerful that even his boss, Yan Li, would personally assist him.

Fan Xiaopang offered, "How about I build you a ladder?"

If Yan Li recruits directly, there won't be much room for maneuver left. It's better for Fan Xiaopang to act as an intermediary, so that he can advance or retreat as needed.

Of course, she also had her own selfish motives. If Jiang Jiajun could get close to Yan Li through her, he would at least owe her a favor, even if he didn't become her man in the future.

Although Fan Xiaopang is arrogant, she is not stupid. Dong Qin is recruiting people in the company, so it is impossible for her to do nothing. It's just that she looks down on ordinary people.

Directors like Jiang Jiajun, who have the potential to gain Yan Li's attention and stand on their own in the future, are the ones that Fan Xiaopang should focus his efforts on.

"up to you."

Yan Li didn't care much. As he said before, he had to deal with too many people, and it was difficult to win them all over.

The women around him who showed him favors appeared to be part of a faction, but in reality, they were all rooted in him and were ultimately his people.

If you really encounter someone who's muddle-headed and can't distinguish between the king and queen, they're not worth Yan Li's attention or concern.

Yan Li wasn't particularly interested in Jiang Jiajun.

Film directors are one thing, but there are very few television directors who are valuable and influential.

Although Jiang Jiajun has some ability, he is not outstanding. Given Yan Li's current status in the industry, there are many directors of similar level who want to curry favor with him.

Fan Xiaopang, on the other hand, cared more.

One reason was that she felt it was a good opportunity to recruit people, and the other was that Yan Li had talked to her before, asking if she would consider working behind the scenes.

This behind-the-scenes move is not a transformation, but rather an increase in her status and influence.

As mentioned before, there are fewer and fewer actors of the caliber of "Four Dan and Two Bing" (referring to four leading actresses and two leading male actors) making dramas. Fan Bingbing continues to make dramas to earn money for Yi An (referring to Fan Bingbing), so the benefits and the reputation must be adequate.

Putting everything else aside, Fan Xiaopang holds the title of producer or supervisor.

She went from receiving financial aid to participating in behind-the-scenes projects and managing projects, and from an actress to a senior executive. With the actual benefits in place, the media and fans didn't feel that Yan Li was mistreating Fan, and she herself didn't feel wronged.

Yan Li's advance arrangements demonstrated his commitment and prevented others from stirring up trouble and sowing discord.

Fan Xiaopang is quite interested in behind-the-scenes work; she has long harbored her own ambitions and is not content with being just an actress.

Yan Li gave her a chance and even paved the way for her, so naturally she wanted to give it a try.

These tasks require her to have a certain team and manpower. Fan Xiaopang joined the "Investiture of the Gods 2" crew earlier than Yan Li, and had a deeper understanding of Jiang Jiajun. He also felt that Jiang Jiajun was quite capable and could be considered a potential collaborator.

Fan Xiaopang acted swiftly and decisively, finding an opportunity to probe Jiang Jiajun's background in just two days.

"This Director Jiang has long admired you, Boss Yan."

Fan Xiaopang smiled, and Jiang Jiajun was quite enthusiastic about joining Yi An's side.

As mentioned before, directors like Jiang Jiajun have a certain foundation and strength, but they cannot be considered famous directors. Sometimes, getting projects depends on luck. Having a fixed investor and boss is a very reliable option for them.

Yan Li has a good reputation in the industry. Although he is strict and demanding, he is generous.

Hong Kong director Ju Jueliang worked with Yi An and directed several Gu Long dramas, making a lot of money and becoming a representative director of martial arts dramas. He has achieved both fame and fortune.

"How about it? I'll arrange a meal." Fan Xiaopang was a little anxious, but Yan Li told her to calm down: "It's not a business deal if you're too eager. The initiative is in my hands, not his. What's the rush?"

"Stretch it out a bit. The harder it is to tie this line, the more it proves how difficult it is. He will put in more effort in the future, and you've done a good job in your favor."

Fan Xiaopang nodded: "You're so cunning, but aren't you afraid of overdoing it and ending up with something that's counterproductive?"

"That means we're not meant to be. Yi'an doesn't need another director."

Yan Li had enough confidence in Yi An; even if Jiang Jiajun was gone, there were other talented people out there.

In this world, talented people are common, but discerning mentors, especially those willing to support them, are rare.

The arrogance of large companies is often not a good thing, but it's not entirely a bad thing either. In many cases, the higher the threshold, the more people cherish it.

...

Although Yan Lirang tried to pull things out, Fan Xiaopang still laid some groundwork in order to win him over.

At least Yan Li could clearly sense that Jiang Jiajun was intentionally trying to get close to him and make a good impression.

This is not a bad thing. Yan Li can also examine his abilities more closely and consider how much power and support to give him.

The inner palace

Fan Xiaopang lay on the bed, his face pale and his breath faint, while Yan Li sat beside him dressed in black royal robes.

According to the plot, Daji was severely injured in the previous part. Su Daji's soul dissipated, and the Nine-Tailed Fox escaped back to Chaoge with serious injuries. She was still unconscious. If it weren't for the cover provided by the two demons Xuanyuan and Shen Gongbao, she would have almost revealed her true form.

"Imperial Preceptor, the Queen has taken the elixir you obtained, but there is still no improvement. I need your explanation."

Yan Li stared at the actor playing Shen Gongbao with a gloomy expression. The latter was somewhat embarrassed and awkward, but dared not lash out.

In the drama, Shen Gongbao needs King Zhou to defeat Jiang Ziya, so he is still quite respectful to King Zhou.

Most importantly, he couldn't do anything to King Zhou.

The setting is that King Zhou's imperial fate was not yet exhausted, and he was protected by the Ziwei True Essence. Yang Jian once tried to assassinate King Zhou, but he could not harm King Zhou in the slightest and was even injured by him. Even Daji could only win over King Zhou little by little by relying on her innate charm and her stunning beauty.

Therefore, King Zhou was not afraid of talented people like Shen Gongbao. He might have shown them some respect normally, but when Daji was seriously injured and anxious, Shen Gongbao could only be reprimanded.

"Your Majesty, the Queen's injury is no ordinary one..."

Shen Gongbao tilted his head to the side in his signature manner, and then began to recount Daji's injuries in detail.

In the drama, Daji's injury was concealed, and Shen Gongbao falsely claimed that it was Jiang Ziya's sorcery that harmed people.

Regardless of the reason, saving her would be quite difficult. If other strategies fail, the fate of the Shang Dynasty and King Zhou's own Ziwei True Essence could be used to prolong Daji's life.

However, this would have a significant impact on the fate of the dynasty and on King Zhou himself.

"If I do not save her, what will happen to the Queen?"

"At best, things will remain as they are; at worst..."

Shen Gongbao looked on with a pained expression. Yan Li glanced at Fan Xiaopang, his eyes hesitant. He gently released her hand, then tightened it, then released it again, and tightened it again.

In the original script, King Zhou, blinded by love, immediately wanted to save people.

However, during filming, Yan Li and Jiang Xianjun discussed it and decided to add a scene where King Zhou was conflicted.

Because this version of King Zhou is not a completely brainless and incompetent ruler; he was merely tempted and corrupted, and he still had his own thoughts.

The act of directly rescuing people felt somewhat simplistic. Adding a scene not only made the characters more well-rounded but also elevated the love between King Zhou and Daji.

Compared to an unwavering choice, the more hesitant, deliberate, and difficult the decision, the more it highlights the importance of King Zhou's love for beauty over his kingdom.

"Director Jiang, how do you think we should film this scene of hesitation?"

Yan Li casually tested Jiang Jiajun, trying to maintain his composure while also demonstrating King Zhou's hesitation and determination.

Jiang Jiajun thought for a moment: "How about sitting in the main hall for a whole day and night? We can create that effect through the weather, candles, and the dialogue of the supporting characters."

"Well, it could also be sitting by Daji's bedside, or switching between the two scenes to show King Zhou's wavering heart."

Yan Li glanced at Fan Xiaopang: "What do you think?"

The latter nodded: "Not bad."

"Then let's shoot it like this."

Yan Li was fairly satisfied with Jiang Jiajun's answer. There are only so many shooting routines; the key is to have ideas and be able to implement them.

Those who create content sometimes need a bit of inspiration. Those who simply follow the script and live a muddled life will never get ahead.

Perhaps Jiang Jiajun also vaguely sensed that Yan Li was intentionally testing him, because after this scene was filmed, he went to Yan Li to discuss adding more scenes.

"What kind of scene should we add?"

Yan Li remained noncommittal. If he wanted to add scenes, he would have done so long ago. "Investiture of the Gods" could be made into "The Legend of King Zhou," so there was no need for Jiang Jiajun to do him a favor.

Jiang Jiajun understood this point as well. Adding scenes in the wrong places would only increase the boss's workload and backfire on him.

However, he wasn't just making things up; it was a plan that was part of the plot.

In the storyline of "Investiture of the Gods 2", King Zhou and Daji were completely reduced to villains, bringing disaster to the country and the people, but one thing remains true: the two were truly in love.

Jiang Jiajun felt that the plot was worth developing, but the two of them had limited schedules, so the added scenes had to be added at the most crucial moments.

In the original script, King Zhou discovers Daji's true identity later in the story, initially acquiescing until his deathbed when he finally reveals it.

Jiang Jiajun thought it could be done earlier, when King Zhou rescued Daji, he discovered her true form because of the Ziwei True Essence.

King Zhou hesitated and regretted it, but after Daji was saved by him, she, who already had feelings for him, wholeheartedly helped him. However, due to various reasons, she brought disaster to the country and the people. When King Zhou saw Daji's sincerity, he slowly let go of his resentment.

Just as King Zhou's hesitation in saving someone makes his actions all the more precious, the sooner King Zhou knew Daji's true identity, the deeper his feelings for her became, and the greater the shock of her eventual revelation.

Yan Li thought Jiang Jiajun's idea had potential, but he wasn't sure if it would be too much of a waste.

However, it's just a scene and a few performance details, so we can film it first and decide whether to use it during editing.

This kind of thing happens all the time in movies and TV dramas.
Some unscrupulous directors will make actors perform a scene dozens or even hundreds of times, and then choose one scene or even none of them.

After getting to know Jiang Jiajun a few times, Yan Li also gained some understanding of him.

The film shows a good respect for the original work. Yan Li talked to him and he had specifically read "Investiture of the Gods". During the filming, he also habitually tried to preserve the basic structure of the original work as much as possible.

The character development is quite good; the character is drawn from the emotional aspects and emphasizes details, making the character more three-dimensional.

They emphasize real-life settings, with action scenes leaning more towards special effects. The acting direction is also good, especially in communicating with young actors.

However, it's not without its flaws. It lacks innovation, is easily influenced, has a somewhat perfunctory work attitude, and doesn't have high standards for the quality of its work.

In general, Hong Kong directors who are typical and have a certain strength in one area are worth recruiting. With a little more effort, they can be approached.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

PS: (0/49000)

(End of this chapter)