This director is vindictive.

Chapter 411: Let the Best Actor Actors Battle Online?

The concept of co-creating movies was not actually invented by Chen Mo.

However, in China, Chen Mo was the first to propose and put into practice the concept of co-creating films.

Do netizens not realize that this is actually more of a gimmick?
They definitely know, even a fool knows, that something as technically demanding as filmmaking can't possibly be entirely decided by the public—how it's made, how the actors perform, how the plot is arranged. That's simply impossible.

But that doesn't stop them from being fully engaged!
If even a small part, or even just a tiny fraction, is their decision and is adopted, that's perfectly enough!
Moreover, the film adaptation of "The Last Transfer in the Northern Desert of the Tang Dynasty" is not, as some critics have said, based on suggestions from netizens. At the very least, it was the suggestions from netizens that inspired Chen Mo, and there's nothing wrong with that!

It's like when someone compares it to the draft, but that actually helps.

As everyone knows, the inside story of talent shows is actually known to all. So why do talent shows continue to thrive despite the ever-changing formats?

The reason why talent shows have remained popular for so long is because of their format that allows for nationwide participation. Movies are different from talent shows. It's difficult for movies to give the public a sense of participation, but Chen Mo managed to create a format that allows for mass co-creation.

Meanwhile, Chen Mo was also discussing this topic with three women.

Looking at Fan Binbin, Zhang Yuqi, and Zhao Liying, Chen Mo suddenly had a flash of inspiration and said with a smile, "Actually, what the netizen who raised the question is quite right. I hadn't thought of that before. We can actually do something even more exciting—we can hold a 'celebrity talent show'!"

"Celebrity talent show?"

Zhang Yuqi blinked, somewhat puzzled, and asked, "Aren't talent shows all about selecting newcomers? Can us 'veterans' participate too?"

"Of course! In fact, right now, our so-called co-creation, the first stage, the casting stage, is somewhat similar to a talent show!"

Chen Mo explained with great interest: "This is what I was thinking. Since we're going to let netizens choose the actors, we're definitely not going to choose newcomers. Instead, we'll let netizens vote and 'choose' the most suitable actor for a certain role from among established stars."

For example, for the role of the veteran in "The Great Tang Dynasty: Northern Desert," netizens can nominate talented actors like Zhang Yi, Wang Qianyuan, and Duan Yihong, and then vote to decide who will play the role.

Fan Binbin's eyes lit up: "Isn't this just 'Actors 101'? Except all the contestants are already famous stars!"

"So, are we going to pull some strings behind the scenes?" Zhang Yuqi, the fierce woman, asked with a mocking expression.

Zhao Liying was speechless, and Chen Mo and Fan Binbin were also dumbfounded. Goodness, heaven knows why her thought process suddenly went astray.

"Don't laugh! Look, talent shows are all about behind-the-scenes manipulation, aren't they?" Zhang Yuqi said seriously.

Chen Mo slapped her lightly, annoyed: "I only said it could be made into a format similar to a talent show, not that I meant to copy it completely! And why are you only learning the bad things instead of the good ones?"

Zhang Yuqi said somewhat awkwardly, "What if the candidate chosen by netizens is not suitable?"

Chen Mo didn't seem to care, saying, "Actually, these talented actors really aren't a matter of whether they're suitable or not; they can all act! And since we're doing this kind of collaborative creation, letting everyone vote, discuss, and decide, then who we ultimately choose isn't that important!"

"Moreover, our selection process is different from ordinary options. We don't use an elimination system, but a 'matching system'—online voters choose the most suitable actors for the roles, rather than comparing who is more popular. For example, the star who is 'most suitable to play a female merchant from the Western Regions' could be Tong Liya, Dilraba, Gulnazar, or even Yu Qini. Everyone votes to decide."

Zhao Liying added with a smile: "I understand. So this makes it a 'viewer-customized' cast? Netizens will feel a great sense of participation, since they can really decide who plays whom."

Zhang Yuqi rested her chin on her hand, seemingly lost in thought: "But if I'm not chosen in the end, wouldn't that be incredibly embarrassing?"

Fan Binbin joked, "Then why don't you just buy online trolls to boost your votes in advance!"

"Screw you!"

Zhang Yuqi rolled her eyes, but then laughed: "But this is indeed quite interesting, at least it generates more buzz than the director directly casting the actors."

Fan Binbin suddenly frowned and said, "Wait a minute, Zhang Dahuzi also did an online poll back then, but it seems the results weren't as good as we expected?"

Actually, the practice of netizens voting to select actors has existed for a long time, but it is usually not as formal.

What Fan Binbin said was purely a marketing ploy.

Chen Mo shook his head and said, "Since we're going to play this game, we can't just copy what others have done. We should play something different. I have an idea, and I'd like you guys to give me your opinions. We can set up a few key roles, and for each role, we can have 3-5 candidates, and let netizens vote."

However, the difference is that I think it would be better to have the celebrities record their own audition videos or post on Weibo to solicit votes, thus increasing interactivity.

"Would they agree to that? After all, if they lose, they'll not only lose the role, but also lose face," Zhang Yuqi couldn't help but ask.

Chen Mo was quite confident about this, saying, "It's not as exaggerated as you think. Besides, with my movie, I believe no one will refuse to give me some face." Chen Mo was telling the truth. Just like the "Singer" program back then, to put it bluntly, the celebrities were only aloof because you didn't give them enough or their status wasn't high enough.

With the male lead and supporting actors in Chen Mo's movies, plus the influence of Shengshi Pictures and Chen Mo's own status in the industry, Chen Mo is confident that he can persuade these actors, even those who are award-winning actors and actresses, to cooperate with him with just a word.

Of course, it's okay if you don't want to, there are plenty of people who do!

Zhao Liying laughed and said, "Then there will definitely be a fan war - 'My brother is more suitable to play a veteran!' 'No, my uncle has more of a sense of vicissitude!' Just the fans arguing can make it to the trending searches."

Fan Binbin nodded: "Moreover, this way, the movie will already be generating a lot of buzz even before filming begins. Audiences will be more willing to buy tickets to support it because they were involved in the casting process."

Chen Mo summarized: "Yes, that's the core of 'celebrity talent shows'—making the audience feel that they can really influence the movie, rather than passively accepting the actors that capital forces upon them. Although the final decision is still in our hands, as long as netizens have the sense of accomplishment of 'the actor I voted for won,' their sense of participation will be maximized."

Zhang Yuqi raised an eyebrow and continued to nitpick: "What if netizens choose someone completely unsuitable? For example, have a comedian play a tragic old soldier?"

Chen Mo smiled slyly: "So we have to 'guide appropriately,' right? We decide the candidate list, and netizens can only choose within a reasonable range. Just like talent shows, no matter how much the contestants compete, the champion is already predetermined—we just play it a little more sophisticatedly. As I said before, there's really no such thing as unsuitable. The people I want to select are all capable of acting, so as long as they are chosen from the list we provide, the kind of problem you mentioned won't occur."

Moreover, this way, a sense of suspense can be maintained. Most importantly, it makes netizens feel like they've won.

At the same time, the actors aren't exactly big names, and the actors we selected are all of similar star power. Even if they lose, it won't matter much, and I can even offer some compensation.

After listening, the three of them looked at each other and smiled.

Fan Binbin gave a thumbs up: "No wonder he's a marketing genius, he can even use the tricks of talent shows in movies!"

Zhao Liying added, "Moreover, this way, the film will generate buzz from the preparation stage, attracting attention from the actors' fans, netizens, and film critics, which basically guarantees box office success."

Zhang Yuqi shrugged: "Fine, then I won't compete for the title of Western Region female merchant, since netizens won't choose me anyway—but if there's a 'most beautiful villain' poll next time, I have to be on the list!"

Chen Mo laughed: "No problem! Next time, I'll let you and Binbin compete and see who is more of a 'femme fatale'!"

Fan Binbin raised an eyebrow: "Then I won't go easy on you."

Zhang Yuqi snorted: "Who's afraid of who? Netizens will definitely choose me!"

Actually, this model is not unusual; the most difficult problem is how to get these actors to cooperate.

Although Chen Mo could easily use his power to intimidate others, he certainly wouldn't do that.

The so-called combination of kindness and severity is what Chen Mo is all about. He has quite a few resources at his disposal, such as the recent super-benefit live stream.

Chen Mo wondered if he could let the actors who were not selected but were willing to cooperate go on this live broadcast.

Chen Mo believed that no celebrity in the entertainment industry could refuse such an opportunity.
It's not that Chen Mo is playing fancy tricks, but that times have changed. In this era, everyone likes to play games and see things differently.

But movies are ultimately about telling stories; how much more elaborate can they be? So we have to find enjoyment in other ways.

Chen Mo felt that in this way, the quality of the film was actually secondary.

As long as this co-creation activity is done well, the film really doesn't need to worry about whether the audience will be willing to buy it.

Chen Mo quickly began to take action.

Of course, we can't all rush into this; we need to select a batch first and test it out to see how it goes.

Chen Mo couldn't possibly predict the specific effects.

When it came to choosing veterans, Chen Mo wrote down several names on his memo: Wang Qianyuan, Zhang Yi, and Duan Yihong. After thinking for a moment, Chen Mo also added Zhou Bo, the actor who played Guo Yuanzheng in the original version.

Then I started contacting these people.

In comparison, although Zhou Bo, the actor who played Guo Yuanzheng in the original version, is certainly not as popular as those established actors, he still has the filter of the original version, so he can still compete.

As for whether they are willing to cooperate, it's the same old story: no one can refuse his invitation! If someone can, then he'll just find someone else!

(End of this chapter)