Huayu Entertainment: Tianxian really wants to improve

Chapter 263 Jiang Wen: Damn it, Gu Bei is way better at burning money than I am!

"Damn! Capitalists!"

Jiang Wen cursed angrily.

His inner thoughts were immediately extinguished, because he knew all too well what it felt like to be short of money when making movies; every movie he made ended up going over budget.

He even had the painful experience of having to pay the extra costs out of his own pocket when the lighting technicians went on strike.

However, while overspending once might feel good, overspending repeatedly is even more enjoyable. How could Jiang Wen possibly avoid overspending when making movies?

"Actually, Director Gu Bei is quite good, unlike the capitalists you all describe."

at this time,

A weak voice sounded from the side.

Jiang Wen and Ying Da turned to look at the person, who was also an actress sitting in front of a makeup mirror. She had red lips and white teeth, and her appearance was delicate with a touch of gentleness.

Jiang Wen feigned a fierce expression and threatened, "Who are you? And do you know who I am?"

Ying laughed and said, "Don't scare the young people!"

"My name is Yu Shaoqun, and I play Bai Xiaonian."

Yu Shaoqun answered in a serious tone, "I know you are Director Jiang Wen, but I just feel that Director Gu Bei is very serious about acting. He is not the kind of capitalist you think he is."

"Hahaha!"

Seeing Yu Shaoqun's serious expression, Jiang Wen laughed twice and turned to Ying Da, saying, "Gu Bei is quite good at choosing people. They may look effeminate, but they are quite manly inside, which fits the character traits quite well."

Ying smiled but remained silent.

She merely glanced at Yu Shaoqun with a slightly pitiful expression.

This kid's rigid personality is so inflexible, I hope Jiang Wen doesn't drive him crazy.

"I'm not effeminate!"

Yu Shaoqun retorted earnestly, "Director Gu Bei said he chose me because I used to study drama, which fits the character of Bai Xiaonian as a former Kunqu Opera star."

"Then let me ask you, what is the gender of a famous Kunqu Opera actress?" Jiang Wen asked with a smile.

"Men playing female roles."

Yu Shaoqun replied without hesitation.

"Are the female characters effeminate or not?"

“Mother, but Bai Xiaonian may not necessarily be yours.”

"So how do you plan to act?"

"Acting..."

Yu Shaoqun was stunned for a moment, his left and right brains fighting fiercely, and finally he said what Jiang Wen wanted him to say, "...A little more girly?"

"So I said you think there's nothing wrong with your mother, right?" Jiang Wen asked again with a smile.

“No problem!” Yu Shaoqun nodded. “I misunderstood you, Director Jiang!”

"That's right!"

Jiang Wen clapped her hands and burst into laughter.

"Poor child..."

Yingda looked at Yu Shaoqun, whose face was full of apologies, and shook her head helplessly.

It's only been a few words, and it's already been turned into this?
After getting their makeup done and changing into their movie costumes, the group headed to the press conference for the start of filming.

On the way,

Jiang Wen saw Gu Bei on the film set.

He went closer and discovered that Gu Bei was using a device he had never seen before.

"What kind of machine is this?"

"Director Jiang!"

Gu Bei looked up and saw that it was Jiang Wen. "RED just released the RED ONE last year. Its sensor can shoot 4K 60fps footage, which is currently the best digital cinema camera equipment."

"It doesn't look cheap!" Jiang Wen played with it for a moment, then asked curiously, "How much?"

"For rent only, not for sale!"

Gu Bei said calmly, "This is already the cheapest 4K solution at present, so it has not been put on sale yet. It is all rented directly from RED."

The last movie this machine filmed was Pirates of the Caribbean!

Hearing Gu Bei's words, Jiang Wen did not ask about the rental price again.

He felt that at his current filmmaking pace, he probably wouldn't be able to afford the equipment.

He also prefers the texture of film: "Digital cameras just don't have the same feel as film!"

Gu Bei pointed to several machines not far away: "There are several brand-new Arriflex 435 cinema cameras over there. Digital cameras and film cameras each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Using them together can maximize their respective strengths."

"grass!"

Jiang Wen cursed.

Are they unwilling to use a mixed approach?
However, each additional camera increases the cost of filming and requires more staff, which adds up to a significant expense.

After a pause, he looked at the set-up interior: "Are all these lighting devices from ARRI too?"

Gu Bei nodded and said calmly, "They are all ARRI's best equipment, using their DMX control system to achieve precise dimming, which can meet the lighting needs of complex scenes."

Oh, and there's also the latest wireless remote control system, which allows lighting technicians to remotely adjust lighting parameters using handheld devices, saving...

Director Jiang, Director Jiang, don't go!

Jiang Wen turned and left.

He felt he couldn't take it anymore if he listened any longer.

He originally thought he was already free to do whatever he wanted when making movies, and he didn't feel bad at all when using up film.

But after seeing Gu Bei's techniques today, he realized he was still a bit naive; these devices represent the most cutting-edge technology in the film industry.

The cost of the film is just a drop in the ocean compared to the cost of the equipment!
Based on past experience
These devices were first used in Hollywood.

Then, after a few years, they will gradually be introduced to the domestic film industry.

As the plan matures, it will become a standard feature for major film crews and be integrated into the filming of Chinese movies.

But... today, all these state-of-the-art equipment have been crammed into one film crew, making it even more advanced than 90% of Hollywood film crews.

To put it bluntly, the crew of "The Message" is not qualified!

However, Gu Bei spent all his own money, so Jiang Wen could only express her admiration.

Gu Bei stopped Jiang Wen and said with a smile, "Director Jiang, why are you walking so fast?"

"I have to leave, I don't understand your system."

Jiang Wen shook her head.

These things are completely different from what he usually does. He doesn't want to ask Gu Bei for advice under Gu Bei's nose; that would be too embarrassing!
"It's okay, you'll figure it out after you stay on set for a few more days. You'll have plenty of scenes anyway."

Gu Bei said with a smile.

He could tell that Jiang Wen was starting to like him.

These advanced devices represent the most cutting-edge audiovisual technology.
Moreover, the equipment Gu Bei chose was not experimental equipment.
These are all pieces of equipment that will be integrated into the entire film production system in the future, and will stand the test of time.

These devices would give the director greater freedom and creative ability, and he didn't believe Jiang Wen wouldn't be tempted.

This is actually a calculated move.

Jiang Wen had always lacked funding for her films due to various reasons. Gu Bei, however, showed her just how far a film crew could go to realize the director's vision when they had plenty of money.

These are things that other film companies cannot provide.

Currently, only Gu Bei's Linlang Entertainment is able to achieve this because of Gu Bei.

"Okay, I'll take another look."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wen thought for a moment and stayed to continue setting up the equipment with Gu Bei.

The more he looked, the more his heart fluttered.

Equipment is like a director's weapon; the more comfortable and effective the weapon, the better.

However, due to budget constraints and other reasons, his weapons were only usable at best, and he couldn't use them as freely as Gu Bei.

"Go back and ask Marco to see if we can add a little more budget for the equipment."

Jiang Wen thought to herself.

He planned to go back and give producer Marco more responsibility, to see if the equipment budget could be increased.
Even if it can't reach the world's most cutting-edge level like Gu Bei's, it should be a level lower, but at least it should reach the cutting-edge level of Chinese films, right?

After a while,
Someone came and called them.
The press conference for the start of filming of "The Message" is about to begin.

There were many reporters present at the press conference for the start of filming.
Almost every well-known print and online media outlet in China was present at the scene.

After all, this is Gu Bei's first Chinese-language film, and the hype itself is very attractive. They have to come here for the sake of traffic.

"Jiang Wen? What's Jiang Wen doing here? Isn't he preparing for his new movie?"

"Damn, this movie already had two of the 'Four Dan Actresses, Two Bing Actresses, and One Fairy' cast, plus top young actor Huang Xiaoming, and now they've added a world-class film emperor, Coco Lee. This lineup is just too explosive!"

"I don't know how Gu Bei managed to get Jiang Wen, but... I hope these two won't start arguing on set?"

The reporters were buzzing with discussion.

In this respect, Coco Chiang has quite a few dark histories.

Aside from initially adjusting Rikutaro's film to resemble his own,

During the ban on directing, Coco Chiang caused a huge embarrassment for the hairdresser crew, ultimately leading to the film's production being halted.

The launch event has begun.
A reporter immediately asked, "Director Gu, how did you manage to invite Director Jiang Wen? Aren't you worried that the two directors might have conflicting ideas on set?"

"You guy!"

Jiang Wen shouted at the reporter.

How can you expose someone's shortcomings in public?
His scandal has become known throughout the entertainment industry, hasn't it?
"I don't think there's a problem. Clashes of ideas are something that often happen during filming."

Gu Bei said with a smile, "It's not just between two directors that there will be clashes of ideas; lighting technicians and cinematographers will also have clashes of ideas with the director."
But I think any suggestion that can make the film better is worth considering.

After hearing this, Jiang Wen smiled and nodded.

Subsequently,

Another reporter, unafraid of making a big deal out of it, chose to ask Jiang Wen: "Director Jiang, will you offer advice to Director Gu?"

"Director Gu's words were very magnanimous, I really liked them!"

Jiang Wen picked up the microphone and said with a smile, "As for suggestions, I'm a bit stubborn. If there's anything I don't like, I'll definitely say it; I only feel better after I say it!"

This answer satisfied the reporters.

Jiang Wen has always been someone who doesn't mind stirring up big trouble.

A series of sensational headlines were already flashing through their minds.
For example: "Jiang Wen is preparing to give Gu Bei feedback. Is it possible that the rumors will once again be spread by the Jiang family?"

For example: "Before filming even started, Jiang Wen already couldn't stand Gu Bei, and the two directors might have a conflict!"

however……

The reality is that,

After the press conference, filming officially began.
Jiang Wen stood to the side.
Watching Gu Bei skillfully direct the film crew.

He tried to interject, "Director Gu, I feel like the lighting in this scene is a bit off!"

Gu Bei said calmly, "You feel something is wrong because you've never used these things before and don't know what the final product will look like."

But I already have the footage in my mind, and I know exactly what I want, so the lighting is perfect!

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wen was immediately speechless.

Just now, when he looked at the equipment set up by Gu Bei, he only briefly familiarized himself with it.

However, I have never used this equipment before, so I naturally don't know what the final result will be.

Digital cameras and film cameras
The two devices are very different.

In addition, the entire lighting system was replaced, and he just felt that the lighting was not good enough based on his previous shooting experience.

But what was the final result?
Jiang Wen didn't know either.

He wants to interject, but he doesn't know how.

Left with no other choice, he squatted down beside Gu Bei and watched him film, carefully noticing the differences between the two filming methods.

As they were taking pictures,

Gu Bei stood up and said, "That's it for today!"

Jiang Wen, who had just snapped out of her studying, exclaimed, "They're done already? What time is it?!"

Given their filming habits, it's not even dark yet, so how could they possibly be wrapping up?
Even if we don't film all night, we should at least wait until late at night!
"Eight-hour workday!"

Gu Bei said with a smile.

then,

He beckoned the group leaders to the meeting room.

The regular crew members can go home now, since they all joined the crew at the same rate.

However, these team leaders are paid on a case-by-case basis, and their salaries already include overtime pay.

"An eight-hour workday?"

Jiang Wen found it unbelievable.

Filming is all about working non-stop until the actors can't work anymore before they can rest, right?

Could it be because of the first day?

Jiang Wen shook her head and went back to rest.

But the next day, Gu Bei still worked eight hours straight and finished on time.

The third day was still the same.

The fourth day was different because it was a holiday.

"Damn it, Gu Bei is way better at burning money than I am!"

When Jiang Wen called producer Mark, she couldn't help but complain, "This guy really just brought over the Hollywood formula."

We shoot for eight hours a day, six days in total, then one day off. Overtime is paid.
I'm in this film crew.
They don't seem to be here to film a movie; they seem to be on vacation!

Producer Mark asked, "So, how's the progress?"

Jiang Wen was silent for a moment: "It seems a bit fast right now. It should be able to finish filming in about a month and a half!"

"Isn't this progress pretty fast?" Mark roughly estimated in his mind, "If it can be filmed in a month and a half, it is indeed about the same as the amount of money he said he invested, and there is no overspending."

"Something's wrong. It's absolutely wrong!"

Jiang Wen shook her head. "I don't know where all his money went. I need to investigate carefully to see what he did and why he was able to film so quickly!"

(End of this chapter)