The Birth of the Best Director

Chapter 149 A Small Shock for Art Students!
……

Keiko Kitagawa is putting on makeup.

At first, she didn't take it seriously, thinking to herself, "This big director Lu Zhiyuan is really ruthless."

For just a few shots, he demanded a whopping $100 million!
If this movie doesn't become as popular as expected, then I'll have suffered a huge loss.

He must give him a guarantee that if the movie isn't a hit, he should be the first choice for any future Hollywood blockbusters.

"what?"

However, at that moment, Keiko Kitagawa glanced up at the mirror unintentionally.

The next second, a strange look appeared on her face.

"Did they make me look like a fox demon?"

Japanese folklore is very popular, especially during the Heian period. The makeup and costumes used in the Hyakki Yagyō (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons) can often be seen on the bustling streets of Tokyo during Halloween.

When Keiko Kitagawa was in school, she also went to dress up as a monster with her friends.

But this makeup... how should I put it?

The makeup artist perfectly combined her sharp features and elegant temperament with the fox spirit's gentleness and mysterious allure.

I have to say, this makeup artist is pretty amazing!
"Miss Kitagawa, please change into the clothes we brought!"

That makeup artist was brought from Lu Zhiyuan's team, and after being trained by him, her skills improved greatly.

After giving Kitagawa Keiko a fox spirit makeover, the makeup artist had her change into a specially made kimono.

"Is this a kimono brought from China?"

Keiko Kitagawa, along with some of the Japanese staff she brought, had somewhat strange expressions.

But since it was a request from a famous director, they couldn't really say anything.

At this moment, Keiko Kitagawa was just thinking that if the kimono didn't look very good, she would have her manager go find that guy named Xin Yukun and give him feedback before going out.

Having received a million US dollars from me, do you mean I can't even tell the truth?

but……

"Excuse me, what kind of kimono is this?"

"The all-black outfit, with a black outer layer of gauze and a blood-red inner lining, and gold embroidery on the waist belt and hem, seems somewhat like the chrysanthemum pattern of the Edo Rinpa school, but upon closer inspection, it also looks a bit like electronic patterns?"

The art style of the Edo Rinpa school is often filled with a dreamlike golden hue.

The obverse of the 5000 yen note features the portrait of Japanese female writer Ichiyo Higuchi.

On the back, there is a picture of swallows by Korin Ogata, just like Ichiyo Higuchi, a delicate, sensual and splendid life.

Keiko Kitagawa wanted to date the prime minister's grandson, and of course, she also actively or passively learned about the artistic qualities that wealthy families required of their daughters-in-law.

Just by looking at the design of this kimono, Keiko Kitagawa could tell that it was of extraordinary value.

but……

how to say.

For some reason, after putting on this kimono, she always felt that her temperament had become a bit strange.

"Oh, I almost forgot, take your props."

The makeup artist and stylist watched for a while and also felt that there was something strange about Keiko Kitagawa's aura.

They suddenly remembered that they had forgotten a red umbrella.

"Thank you."

Keiko Kitagawa picked up the red umbrella and gently stroked it.

The umbrella ribs appear to be made of brass, with some strange gears inside, and a small compass at the end of the handle.

It's obviously a custom-made prop.

It feels great to the touch, with a metallic texture, so it must be quite expensive.

She felt better.

At least the kimono and props that the production team customized for her were very well done and expensive, so they certainly wouldn't have treated her like a cheap imitation.

"Ms. Kitagawa, please wait a moment while I go and ask the director to come and take a look."

Keiko Kitagawa was playing with a red umbrella when the makeup artist went to find Lu Zhiyuan to confirm the makeup.

Keiko Kitagawa is a main supporting actress.

Lu Zhiyuan once said that he had to personally determine the costumes for the female characters.

For male characters, just dress them up casually.

But female characters must be aesthetically pleasing.

Because this film is a teen movie, its main target audience is teenagers addicted to the internet.

Lu Zhiyuan knew best what boys wanted to see.

Besides the cool fight scenes, there are also beautiful girls.

……

"Director, Brother Kun, this way please."

Led by a staff member, Lu Zhiyuan and Xin Yukun walked in.

"Hmm...it looks alright. But how should I put it, it's just missing something."

It took more than an hour for Keiko Kitagawa to do her makeup and styling.

During this time, Lu Zhiyuan and Xin Yukun had dinner together.

At this moment, watching Kitagawa Keiko playing with the red umbrella, her elegant temperament and the mysterious charm of a fox spirit had already blended together.

However, Lu Zhiyuan seemed somewhat dissatisfied.

Upon hearing this, the makeup artist and stylist were immediately stunned.

No way, it's happening again?
What exactly is missing?
We'll fix it right away!
Compared to other great directors, director Lu Zhiyuan has one major advantage.

If another director said it wasn't quite right, the makeup artist and stylist would probably feel like dying.

Because the workload is too great.

Nobody knows what feeling the director wanted.
However, Lu Zhiyuan is different.

As an art student, he is incredibly professional in this area.

Makeup artists and stylists can't give him the feeling he needs, so he can create it himself and guide them in return.

After filming a movie with Lu Zhiyuan, the entire makeup and styling team felt a little embarrassed to accept payment... They weren't there to work; they were clearly there to receive aesthetic guidance!
After observing for a while, Lu Zhiyuan seemed to have found his rhythm and began to direct Kitagawa Keiko.

“Miss Kitagawa, please hold up your umbrella, walk to the courtyard entrance, and stand on the stone steps.”

"Don't move, slowly turn around. Stop! Keep your profile at a 30-degree angle to the light, just hold that angle."

"Next, use your right hand to gently rotate the umbrella, then rest the handle on your shoulder to cover the lower half of your face."

"Don't cover it all up; show your cheekbones."

"Yes, at this moment, turn your eyes, lift the corners of your eyes slightly, and reveal that nonchalant and playful attitude."

"it is good!"

"That's it, wait 20 minutes."

Lu Zhiyuan checked the time, then looked at the position of the sunlight; it wasn't the best light yet.

I reckon it'll be ready in about 20 minutes.

After Lu Zhiyuan determined the angle for Kitagawa Keiko, she stood on the stone steps like a fool, feeling incredibly awkward.

After a while, it seemed that they had received a notification from here, and the film crew hurriedly brought their equipment over to prepare for filming and to collect footage.

Who knows which shot will be cut into the movie?
Anyway, as long as a great director gets the hang of it, we'll collect materials anytime.

Sometimes, the effect of light and shadow is something that can't be forced.

……

20 minutes later.

The sunlight was no longer as bright as before, and it had gotten a little cold.

As the angle of refraction of sunlight changes as it passes through the atmosphere, the light begins to take on a warm orange hue.

Lu Zhiyuan likes this lighting effect the most.

When this light shines on a person, viewed from a special angle, it makes the person appear as if they are bathed in golden light.

It creates a dreamlike effect.

"Our director's favorite light has appeared."

Those photographers, who had been following Lu Zhiyuan for a while, remained silent and focused on collecting footage.

10 minutes later.

Lu Zhiyuan glanced at the scene in the camera and clapped his hands lightly: "That's good, the effect is very good."

Keiko Kitagawa's manager also went over to take a look.

A moment later, she exclaimed repeatedly, "Kitagawa, you're going to be famous! Once this scene appears, you'll be the most beautiful woman of the Heian period!"

In the footage just now, Keiko Kitagawa's manager witnessed an incredible scene.

As dusk settled, Keiko Kitagawa, who seemed both human and demon, stood on the stone steps of the shrine, holding an umbrella. The crimson umbrella spun gently, revealing half of her porcelain-white face. Her eyes sparkled, and she exuded the playful, carefree air of a fox spirit treading the mortal realm.

Especially at this moment, the warm orange sunset shone on the rosy hue at the corner of her eyes, making her look absolutely stunning.

"Okay, let's call it a day!"

Seeing Lu Zhiyuan's satisfied smile, Xin Yukun went up to the staff and told them to pack up the equipment: "Brothers, you guys go eat first. Tonight, we have a big night shoot."

"Roger that!"

The crew members, although their work was quite tiring, there's not much to say.

Because Lu Zhiyuan, the director of the film crew, was very busy all day long, he visibly lost several pounds after a month of filming.

As a top-tier commercial film director in Asia, Lu Zhiyuan is so dedicated to his work that his juniors dare not slack off.

If a movie becomes a hit, everyone benefits.

Putting everything else aside, each person will receive a large red envelope; the proprietress, Miss Jing Tian, ​​certainly won't be stingy.

"I'll go check on the venue setup. You keep an eye on her and make sure she's in good shape so we can shoot well tonight and get it done in one night."

The location shooting was primarily intended to showcase the elegance and allure of Keiko Kitagawa, a classic Japanese beauty.

The actual battle scenes will have to be filmed against a green screen.

At that time, Lu Zhiyuan will set aside a month to call all the actors one by one to the China Film Digital Base in Huairou for green screen shooting.

"Ms. Kitagawa, how are you feeling? Is $100 million worth it?"

Xin Yukun knew very well that Lu Zhiyuan left because he knew what kind of situation he would face next.

As a renowned director, Lu Zhiyuan is someone who has transcended vulgar interests and doesn't care much about others' praise or compliments. However, Xin Yukun is different.

He particularly enjoys the feeling of being admired and fawned over.

"Director Lu, your skills are truly impressive!"

Keiko Kitagawa nodded shyly, but her mind was racing.

A great director is just different; with just a casual shot, he made my beauty and temperament stand out incomparably.

Once the movie is released, I'm guaranteed to become a star!
Keiko Kitagawa's manager, who didn't need to cultivate a persona, was now showering her with flattery: "Brother Kun, how did Director Lu come up with this makeup look?"

"At first glance, it seems a bit strange. The makeup is too much like a monster, which hides Keiko's elegant temperament."

"But when Keiko held up her umbrella, stood sideways on the stone steps, revealing the upper half of her face, her eyes sparkling... suddenly, the whole scene seemed to come alive."

"There's a special... this feeling, forgive my limited cultural knowledge, I can't describe it. In short, it's absolutely gorgeous!"

The agent wanted to ask Xin Yukun if there were any similar looks, and to get a few more for Kitagawa Keiko.

Next time you shoot an ad, try this look, and you'll be an instant sensation!

In this day and age, red carpet stars are stars, and advertising stars are stars! As long as you can break out of your niche, generate traffic, and create buzz, you've earned a certain level of fame and value!

"You little devils, always thinking good things. My famous director brother, every idea he comes up with is worth tens of millions of dollars. Is he going to use him to do your styling?"

Xin Yukun muttered something under his breath, then looked at the translator beside him and glared at him: "Don't translate this sentence."

After cursing under his breath, he smiled at Kitagawa Keiko and her agent and said, "Utagawa Kuniyoshi's monster scroll has been paired with the texture of Victorian-era metal gears."

"This is Keiko Kitagawa's makeup and look right now."

"No one else could have come up with this combination."

Xin Yukun was very pleased with himself, having helped Lu Zhiyuan show off.

Hearing Keiko Kitagawa and her manager repeatedly calling out "Kuniichi," their eyes widened, and they looked extremely excited, clearly impressed.

Xin Yukun was finally completely relieved.

If he doesn't tell, he won't be able to sleep tonight; he'll probably be bursting with pent-up frustration.

It's all Lu Zhiyuan's fault. Why did I talk to him about Keiko Kitagawa's makeup and tell him about the shooting style?

"Keep this style and give it your all tonight."

Xin Yukun felt that Keiko Kitagawa was quite sensible, so he decided to reveal a little secret to her: "You may only have a small supporting role in this movie, but don't let that make you lower your standards."

"If this movie does well at the box office, there will be a mecha series waiting to be developed... At that time, you may become one of the female leads."

Upon hearing this, Kitagawa Keiko became even more excited, cheering incessantly as she escorted Xin Yukun out.

……

"Brother Kun, Keiko Kitagawa's manager gave you a business card."

Not long after Xin Yukun left, a staff member chased after him and mysteriously handed him a special pink business card.

There was also a slight perfume scent on it.

Xin Yukun glanced at it; there was a phone number and a name on it.

There is another line of words.

He didn't recognize Japanese characters, but after removing the beginning and end, he could barely make out the meaning.

— [50,000 yen per day.]

What do you mean?
Is this 【50,000 yen per day】 or 【50,000 yen per day】?
Regardless of the specific meaning, they all seem to convey the same idea.

After all, the Japanese like to be subtle.

However, this price is a little high compared to domestic prices; considering the current exchange rate, it's almost 4000.

It's not worth it.

However, since we've come all this way to Japan, it would be a real shame not to go out and explore, and experience the local customs and culture.

Never mind, I'm going out to gather inspiration late at night!
……

A few days later.

In a Japanese garden.

Keiko Kitagawa was wearing a black kimono and wooden clogs, holding a crimson umbrella in her hand. The umbrella handle spun slowly, making a tinkling sound.

She appeared both eerie and alluring.

Reaching a certain stone step, she slightly lifted the hem of her kimono and carefully moved a few steps.

With just a few simple steps, Keiko Kitagawa perfectly embodies the gentle and graceful temperament of a Japanese beauty.

"Okay, that's enough!"

Keiko Kitagawa doesn't have many scenes; her main role is to showcase her powerful background, her yakuza lineage, and her ruthless methods, which contrast sharply with her gentle nature.

In Lu Zhiyuan's films, the characters are often given a strong sense of contrast between their inner and outer selves during the character development process.

This allows the audience to form a deep impression of these characters in the shortest amount of time.

"The on-location shooting ends here."

"A month from now, after I return to Yanjing, I will send you a notification to arrange green screen filming."

After a month of continuous travel, Lu Zhiyuan was actually quite tired.

However, he patiently explained Kitagawa Keiko's role and some of her fighting styles.

Hopefully, Keiko Kitagawa can use this time to improve her inner qualities, especially her presence and aura.

She still looks somewhat frail and doesn't quite resemble a gangster boss.

"Hi! I'll try my best."

I don't know if it was the extraordinary attraction that Lu Zhiyuan possessed for wealthy women, but during the filming process, Kitagawa Keiko, this young heiress, was particularly obedient.

Even the way she looked at Lu Zhiyuan was a bit like a little fangirl.

……

"Next, Xiao Su, take Hani out to have some fun, and bring a film crew along to shoot some fashionable scenes on the streets of Tokyo."

As the female lead, Hanikezi comes to Tokyo to challenge "Onimusha," so naturally some street scenes will be captured on camera.

But these kinds of street scenes don't need to be specially photographed.

Let Hanikezi have fun while a film crew follows him and shoots some footage.

The footage shot overnight can be edited into the movie, and even if it's only 10 seconds long, it will definitely be able to find what Lu Zhiyuan wants!
"Teacher, is this what you meant by letting Sister Su take me out to play?"

Hanikezi was speechless.

She thought it would be the kind of carefree play and shopping... She never imagined that going out to play was also part of her work.

Really convinced.

……

Making a movie might be exciting at first.

But this is a marathon race, and halfway through, it will leave you exhausted and lose interest.

I just want to finish my work as soon as possible.

Therefore, many directors like to find some fun while making movies.

……

"Brother, don't you get tired?"

“Since the machine was turned on, you’ve been working like a robot every day, methodical and orderly. I’ve never seen you have any fun.”

"Do you want to find some fun to vent your frustrations?"

"Otherwise, I'm very worried about your mental state."

The note read "50,000 yen a day." Xin Yukun couldn't resist and secretly tried it out.

The service was indeed top-notch.

Moreover, when he wanted to pay the bill, the other party said that the bill could be sent to the agency of Keiko Kitagawa and her colleagues.

This is the office of Keiko Kitagawa and her colleagues, used specifically to entertain VIPs.

Good guy.

After learning about this, Xin Yukun wanted to take Lu Zhiyuan out to try it that very night.

"Let's talk about it next time."

"There are two major scenes left."

"San Juan, Puerto Rico. Book your flights and have the props team go there ahead of time to set up the scene."

"I plan to finish filming this scene as soon as possible."

"I want to go to Muztagh Ata, to see the scene I'm looking for..."

The scene of Muztagh Ata is a world-famous painting that Lu Zhiyuan left for this film.

He swore to God that he would capture the kind of dreamlike, surreal images he needed.

He is willing to spend enough time on this.

Wait until the weather, sunshine, and temperature all reach the perfect moment!

In addition, he has had real robots transported to Muztagh Ata and then hoisted by helicopter to the 3500-meter-high iceberg.

This scene absolutely had to be filmed on location!
The sheen on the robot must be real, reflecting sunlight and the glow of ice and snow.

The goal is to imbue the robot with an extraordinary sense of life through the effects of light and shadow.

He wanted to do his best in this scenario!

However, after listening to Lu Zhiyuan's previous words, Xin Yukun paused for a moment, then suddenly became excited.

"Brother, what did you just say?"

"You said you'd talk about it next time?"

"Haha...you've finally figured it out!"

“I knew it. Directing is a very stressful job. It’s not something a human can do. If you suppress yourself every day and work like a madman, sooner or later you will have mental problems.”

"It's good that you've figured it out. Vent it when you need to, have fun when you want to. Who can criticize you for anything?"

"You're a great director!"

Xin Yukun was very happy.

My good brother has finally become a kindred spirit with me.

This is great.

I still have VIP cards for many places, let's go together next time!

(End of this chapter)