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After deciding to make a film, the first thing Suning did was register a company.

The name was given by Yan Ruyu; it's called "Justice League Film Production Company".

Hearing the name, Ma Dongmei pondered for a long time, "Justice League? It sounds like an animated film."

Su Ning smiled and said, "The name isn't important; what matters is the rules."

The company is registered in Chaoyang District and rents a small office space.

Ma Dongmei was in charge of handling the paperwork. After running around for a week, the business license was finally obtained.

She held the piece of paper, turning it over and over several times. "Su Ning, does this mean we're now a film and television production company?"

"Correct."

"It's unbelievable! I never imagined I would be involved in the founding of a company."

"This is just the beginning! From now on, our Justice League will definitely become a breath of fresh air."

Ma Dongmei carefully put away the business license, then took out the notebook and wrote on a new page: Justice League Film Production Company, registered in October 1999.

……

The company registration is complete; the next step is to recruit people.

Suning didn't intend to hire randomly from outside, nor did he plan to outsource. He wanted to find people with genuine professional ethics from within the entire Chinese entertainment industry.

He knows this circle too well.

In the real world, Suning has seen too much of the filth in the entertainment industry.

Investors engage in unspoken rules, directors engage in unspoken rules, producers engage in unspoken rules, and even the film crew and makeup crew within the production team have their own unspoken rules.

To put it bluntly, this industry is filthy, reeking of decay from the inside out.

Suning doesn't want to film that kind of movie, nor does he want to work with that kind of person.

Now that I've entered the instance world, I need to make some changes and plan my career according to my own wishes.

Photography, lighting, art direction, costumes, props, sound recording, production management...

Every department has to be rebuilt from scratch.

When the news got out, people in the industry thought Suning had gone mad.

A student who hasn't even graduated yet, instead of finding an existing team, insists on building it from scratch.

Isn't this just asking for trouble?

Soon after hearing the news, Aunt Qiong called to advise, "Su Ning, this is your first film, so be careful. I have a few ready-made teams here that have been with me for many years, and their technical skills are not a problem. You can use them; it will save you time and effort."

Su Ning said, "Aunt Qiong, I can't afford to use your people."

Aunt Qiong was taken aback. "What do you mean?"

"Your people have been with you for many years and are trustworthy. But do they listen to you or me? When we disagree on filming, whose opinion should I follow?"

"..." Aunt Qiong remained silent.

“Besides,” Su Ning added, “I can’t afford to follow your rules. Things like the lighting crew needing extra meal allowances, costume and prop crew needing extra makeup fees, and stagehands needing night shift allowances—these are industry practices, but I don’t want to indulge them.”

Aunt Qiong sighed, "You child, you're too stubborn. Rules are rules. If you don't follow the rules, who will work for you?"

Su Ning smiled and said, "There will be some eventually."

Aunt Qiong didn't try to persuade her anymore.

Suddenly I feel that Suning is young and impetuous; he'll know better once he runs into trouble.

Then, Aunt Qiong remained silent for a while.

Having been in the industry for so many years, she certainly knew what Su Ning meant.

She had seen far too many of those messy and chaotic things.

Some directors choose actors based on looks and physique rather than acting skills; some investors invest in films not to make money but to promote the actors; and some production teams are shoddy and perfunctory from top to bottom.

Many bad dramas are obviously obvious, so how could those directors and screenwriters not know that?

Didn't the crew know?
They naturally know better than the audience, but they are powerless to resist, so they might as well complete the work in a muddle. Whether it's a mess or a classic is not their concern.

“Suning, there are a few people who really fit your philosophy. Let me ask them for you,” Aunt Qiong said.

"Thank you, Aunt Qiong."

"Work hard! I want to see if you can make it in this dirty world."

"I have confidence!"

……

The first person they contacted was Lao Zheng, who was in his fifties and had been a photographer for twenty years.

His technical skills are undeniable; he's directed several excellent films.

He was the cornerstone of many of his productions, yet he wasn't favored by investors.

It's not because of a lack of skill, but because of an unwillingness to admit defeat.

Old Zheng refused to do those messy things, nor would he pretend not to see them.

When Aunt Qiong spoke to Lao Zheng, Lao Zheng hesitated for a moment, "Aunt Qiong, is that student reliable?"

Whether it's reliable or not, you'll know once you see it for yourself.

"But I heard he's a charlatan?"

"Old Zheng, you know your situation best. There aren't many production crews that can tolerate your bad temper."

"Okay! I'll go take a look."

Soon, Lao Zheng came for the interview.

Su Ning met him in the courtyard house, brewed a pot of tea, and the two chatted for half an afternoon.

Old Zheng asked Su Ning what kind of movie he wanted to film, and Su Ning gave a brief overview of Teacher Zhao's script.

Old Zheng's eyes lit up after hearing this, "Teacher Zhao's script? We have to film it well."

"That's why I came to you. I've heard about your work; you're reliable, meticulous, and don't cut corners."

Old Zheng was silent for a while, then said, "Director Su, there's something I want to ask you."

"Please speak."

What are your thoughts on what happens on a film set?

Su Ning knew what he meant. "My production team doesn't allow those kinds of things. No unspoken rules, no high salaries, no diva behavior, no idol worship, no celebrity chasing. I want real actors, people who actually do the work. So, I rejected those ready-made production teams and instead painstakingly built my own from scratch."

Old Zheng looked at Su Ning, and after a long while, he suddenly smiled and said, "Okay, I'll do it."

"Master Zheng, welcome to the team."

"I heard you also know about feng shui?"

"Don't worry! Personal hobbies have nothing to do with the operation of the production team."

……

The second person they found was Lao Liu, who had worked in the lighting industry for twenty years.

He's an experienced veteran, highly skilled, and a genuine person.

Like Lao Zheng, he has excellent skills, but he is not liked by the production team.

It's not that they lack ability, it's that they refuse to follow the crowd and have their own bottom line in life and work.

Su Ning chatted with Master Liu for an afternoon, and Master Liu immediately made a decision, "Director Su, I like what you said. I've been fed up with those petty things for a long time."

"Therefore, I want to assemble my own film crew so that future filming will not be affected by capital."

"Won't that affect attracting investment?"

"You don't need to worry about attracting investment; you just need to do your job well."

"it is good!"

……

The third person they found was Master Sun, who had been working in the arts for twenty years.

He has done set design for many major productions, and his skills are beyond question.

When Su Ning found Master Sun, he was painting at home.

After hearing what Su Ning said, Master Sun put down his paintbrush and said, "Director Su, I'll work for you."

"Aren't you afraid I'll lie to you?"

"Haha, I, Old Sun, have neither money nor beauty, what is there for you to fool me about?"

"Thank you! With your participation, I am confident that I can create a top-notch production team."

Old Zheng, Old Liu, and Old Sun have been working in the film and television industry for decades.

I've seen all kinds of plays and worked with all kinds of directors.

They came not because of money, but because of what Suning said.

In this industry, there are still people who are willing to make good films.

……

With all the people recruited, the next step is to set the rules.

Suning called Lao Zheng, Lao Liu, and Lao Sun together for a meeting. "Gentlemen," he said, "the company has just been established and doesn't have much of a reputation yet. But there are a few rules I need to make clear first."

Old Zheng nodded. "Go on."

"First of all, there are no unspoken rules in our production team. We select actors based on their acting skills and suitability. We hire people based on their abilities, not their connections. Anyone who dares to do anything shady, don't blame me for being impolite."

"..." Old Zheng, Old Liu, and Old Sun looked at each other without saying a word.

"Secondly, there is no such thing as high actor salaries. The total actor salaries cannot exceed 30% of the total investment. If the film is well-made, everyone can make money. But it's impossible to get rich from this. Money should be spent wisely, on production, and on the visuals, not on the stars."

Old Liu nodded. "That's true. Those movies, the stars take all the money; how can they possibly be good?"

"Third, don't act like a big shot. Everyone who comes to my crew is an actor or a staff member. No one is superior to anyone else. If you have to wait, wait; if you have to endure, endure. If you can't stand the hardship, don't come."

Old Sun laughed, "Director Su, I like what you said. Those big shots, they throw tantrums all the time, who can afford to serve them?"

Su Ning looked at them and asked, "Teachers, is this acceptable?"

Old Zheng was the first to speak, "Yes, I can. I've been in this business for twenty years, and this is the day I've been waiting for." Old Liu nodded, "Me too."

Old Sun put down his teacup. "Director Su, just tell me, when do we start filming?"

Su Ning laughed, "Soon! We're just assembling our own production team now. Once I find a few more good actors, we'll start filming."

……

The news spread, and it caused quite a stir in the industry.

Some people, upon hearing that Suning was going to direct his own film and had even registered a company, thought he was incredibly arrogant. "A student, not even graduated yet, wants to be a director? And even assemble his own production crew? Does he think filmmaking is child's play?"

Some people, upon hearing about his rules, thought he was crazy: "No unspoken rules? No high salaries? No promoting popular actors? Then what kind of movies does he make? How does he make money?"

Some people, upon hearing that Suning only hires real actors and not celebrities, laughed at Suning for being naive, saying, "Real actors? How many real actors are there in this industry? They're all just trying to make a living."

Some people also heard that he only hired old guys, like Old Zheng, Old Liu, and Old Sun, who were all washed up and couldn't get any work.

I'm even more convinced that Suning's Justice League is doomed. "What kind of good show can a bunch of old, weak, and disabled soldiers put on?"

Suning doesn't care about these opinions; after all, these people are like frogs in a well without any ideals.

Moreover, he knows what he wants to film and what kind of people he wants to find.

Those truly talented actors, those who have been buried in this industry, those who refuse to bow their heads or follow the crowd—they are still here.

But nobody went to look for them.

He asked Su Ning, Lao Zheng, Lao Liu, and Lao Sun to help him inquire whether there were any actors in the industry who truly had professional ethics.

Old Zheng thought for a moment, "There's a guy named Li who's been acting for over ten years, and his acting skills are undeniable. But these days he can't get any work because people think he's not famous enough and doesn't have enough popularity."

"Where is he?"

"I'm staying at home. I heard recently that I'm doing bit parts, earning a few hundred yuan a day."

Suning said, "Help me make an appointment with him."

Old Liu also remembered someone, "There was another person, surnamed Wang, who was also a veteran actor who had acted his whole life. A couple of years ago, he got a role with a lot of screen time, but he was replaced later. It was said that the investors thought he wasn't famous enough, so they found a popular celebrity to replace him."

"Ask him."

Old Sun also spoke up, "There's another person, surnamed Zhang, an actress, a stage actress, over forty years old. She won awards when she was young, but hasn't had any roles in recent years. It's not that her acting skills are bad, it's just that she's too old and nobody's looking for her."

Ask her out.

Suning contacted each of them one by one and chatted with them one by one.

Those forgotten by this industry, those truly talented actors, were found by Suning from every corner.

Some of them haven't acted in years, some are just getting by as extras, and some have simply changed careers.

But when Suning approached them and told them about their rules, saying they wanted to make a real film with real actors and not do any of that messy stuff.

They hesitated for a moment, then quickly agreed, wanting to see if Suning could actually succeed.

When Old Li arrived, he was wearing a faded jacket and carrying an old bag.

He stood at the entrance of the courtyard house, looked inside, and hesitated.

Su Ning went up to him, "Teacher Li?"

Old Li nodded. "Director Su, I've heard so much about you."

The two sat down in the courtyard, and Su Ning brewed a pot of tea. "Teacher Li, what have you been busy with all these years?"

Old Li gave a wry smile. "What am I busy with? I'm busy looking for roles to play. But these days, roles are easy to find, but suitable roles are hard to find."

"how to say?"

"Some of those productions had bad scripts, some had bad directors, and some were just people forced into it by the investors. You went there, and you were just a prop, standing there saying a few lines, taking your money and leaving. Male actors wanted to take advantage of female actors, and female actors wanted more scenes. Nobody put their heart into making the film. After it was finished, nobody even wanted to watch it."

Su Ning poured Teacher Li a cup of tea. "My project is different. The first project is Teacher Zhao's script, as you should know. I want to find truly good actors to make this film a success."

Old Li looked at him for a while, then said, "Director Su, I heard you've set quite a few rules?"

"Yes. There are no unspoken rules, no high salaries, and no diva-like behavior. Everyone who comes is an actor, everyone is a worker."

Old Li was silent for a moment, then laughed, "Okay, I'll do it."

……

When Teacher Wang arrived, she was wearing an old cotton-padded jacket and her hair was a little messy.

He hasn't taken on many acting roles in recent years, occasionally doing minor parts, earning a few hundred yuan a day, which is enough to eat.

Su Ning poured him a cup of tea. "Teacher Wang, what have you been busy with all these years?"

Teacher Wang smiled wryly, "What am I busy with? I'm busy waiting for people to ask me to act in movies. But as I wait and wait, no one is asking me anymore."

"why?"

"They think I'm not famous enough and don't have enough online traffic. Those investors want celebrities, not actors. No matter how good your acting is, it's useless if people don't know you."

Suning said, "I don't care about reputation, I care about ability."

Teacher Wang looked at him, her eyes brightening slightly. "Director Su, are you serious?"

"Seriously."

"Okay, I'll do it."

When Teacher Zhang arrived, she was wearing a simple sweater and her hair was pulled back, making her look younger than her actual age.

She won awards and was quite famous when she was young.

As I got older, I had fewer roles.

It's not that I don't want to film, it's that no one is asking me to.

The roles offered to her were mostly mothers or mothers, with few scenes and flat characters; it wouldn't matter whether she filmed them or not.

Su Ning poured her a cup of tea. "Teacher Zhang, what have you been busy with all these years?"

Teacher Zhang smiled and said, "What else can I be busy with? Just getting by. Even if I can't film, I still have to eat."

"So, will you still act?"

"Act. If there's a suitable role, I'll act; if not, then forget it."

Su Ning said, "I have a role for you. It's not a big part, but it's very memorable. If you're interested, you can give it a try."

Teacher Zhang looked at him and said, "Director Su, I heard you set quite a few rules?"

"Yes. There are no unspoken rules, no high salaries, and no diva-like behavior. Everyone who comes is an actor, everyone who does the work."

Teacher Zhang was silent for a moment, then smiled and said, "Okay, I'll give it a try."

These people have all worked in the film and television industry for decades.

It's not that they lack ability, it's just that none of them are willing to bow to vulgar unspoken rules.

Now, Suning has found them and formed a true alliance of justice.

……

On the day the company opened, Suning treated everyone to a meal in a courtyard house.

The entire crew came...

Including Ma Dongmei and Yan Ruyu, along with other crew members, there were about twenty people crammed into the courtyard, creating a lively atmosphere.

Ma Dongmei was busy serving dishes and pouring water, while Yan Ruyu helped out.

Su Ning stood up, holding a teacup, and said, "Gentlemen, the reason I invited you all here today is not for a meal, but to familiarize ourselves with the place. From today onwards, this will be our headquarters. We'll discuss everything here."

Old Zheng nodded. "Director Su, just tell me, when do we start filming?"

"It'll be soon. Once the casting is finalized, we'll start filming."

Old Liu asked, "What are your plans for casting?"

"Open auditions. Fame and appearance are not considered; acting skills are the only factor."

Old Sun laughed, "That's good. How many of those celebrities can actually act?"

Old Li held his teacup without saying a word.

He hasn't had any acting roles in recent years, not because he didn't want to, but because he hasn't met the right ones.

Now that he's encountered this situation, he needs to prepare properly.

Old Wang didn't say anything.

He sat quietly in the corner. But there was a light in his eyes, a light I hadn't seen in a long time.

Old Zhang sat next to Yan Ruyu, and the two chatted for a few minutes.

Yan Ruyu asked her about acting, and she patiently explained.

It explains how to get into character, how to get out of character, and how to bring a character to life.

Yan Ruyu listened attentively, nodding from time to time.

Su Ning stood in the courtyard, looking at these people.

This is my own team.

There aren't many people, but they are all people who actually do the work.

Su Ning raised his teacup. "Gentlemen, let me toast you all. From today onwards, we're family. Family doesn't need formalities. Let's work hard and make a good film. Let those people see what a real film is."

Old Zheng raised his glass. "Alright, bottoms up."

Old Liu also raised his glass, "Cheers!"

Old Sun, Old Li, Old Wang, and Old Zhang all raised their glasses.

Yan Ruyu and Ma Dongmei also raised their glasses.

"Done."

The cups clinked together, spilling tea onto the table.

Nobody cares.

Because everyone is smiling, and everyone is looking forward to their careers.

...(End of this chapter)