The Birth of the Best Director

Chapter 177 Pacific Rim: Battle One, Tokyo Destroyed
……

Lu Zhiyuan quickly realized that he was dreaming.

As a director, I dream of hiding in a soundstage, sipping delicious milk tea, remotely directing the crew, watching them operate mecha parts, and having the photographer capture miniature scenes of a city's destruction...

He himself only needs to sit in front of the monitor, leisurely living a nine-to-five white-collar job, and then give a few comments to finish shooting a special effects movie.

You're just overthinking it!

I've never dreamed of anything this wonderful.

"Xiao Guo, tell them to stop. This doesn't feel right."

The crew was filming methodically when suddenly, Lu Zhiyuan took off his headset, picked up the walkie-talkie, and shouted, "Stop!"
Finished!

At that moment, everyone inwardly let out a wail.

The great director's old problem has resurfaced.

They had long expected this to happen.

"Brother Yuan, what feels off? Tell me, and I'll try to mediate."

Guo Fan followed beside Lu Zhiyuan.

As Lu Zhiyuan's newly recruited subordinate, Guo Fan is the assistant director on set, helping Lu Zhiyuan coordinate all the miscellaneous tasks.

Previously, this job was done by Su Lun.

However, because Su Lun had played well as a support player before, he was allowed to go out and play on his own.

Yuankun Media invested 3000 million yuan in her.

Su Lun wrote a lighthearted romantic comedy script called "How Long Will I Love U" and found Yang Mi to play the female lead. They are currently in the pre-production stage.

In the Pacific Rim project, Guo Fan replaced Su Lun and became Lu Zhiyuan's chief henchman.

"When monsters appear, I always feel that the sense of oppression they exert on the human world is missing something."

In Lu Zhiyuan's vision, the first generation of apostle monsters would lurk all the way from Tokyo Bay and finally break through the sea near the Rainbow Bridge, creating a tremendous sense of awe.

It should have an apocalyptic atmosphere that blots out the sky.

When the apostle monster appears, the surrounding color scheme should be dark and intense, like hell itself.

However, for some reason, the photos taken in the studio always seemed to lack something.

This feeling is wrong, it's awful.

"Brother Yuan, I don't understand the feeling you're describing. Could you give me some specific work instructions?"

Guo Fan scratched his head.

When it comes to making movies, he has a pure science-oriented mindset, just like solving math problems, he does it step by step.

There is no such thing as a feeling.

Now, he has encountered an artist like Lu Zhiyuan.

Artists are the ones who value this feeling the most.

If you can sense it, he is a god.

I don't feel anything; he's just a lump of something!
"You go ahead and shoot the footage needed for the special effects as planned. I'll take another team to Tokyo to do some on-site research and find the feel I'm looking for."

Lu Zhiyuan actually wanted to be a homebody.

But for some reason, it was as if God was against him. Whenever he was in the studio, he couldn't find any feeling.

But whenever he goes to conduct on-site investigations, a lot of random ideas always pop into his mind.

"Brother Yuan, I can't do it."

When Guo Fan heard that Lu Zhiyuan was going to abandon the filming crew and hand over most of the studio filming to him, he was completely dumbfounded.

Brother, I'm just a handyman.

Why did you suddenly accept such an important task?

What if I mess it up?
"You should film what you can do first. I'll be back in 10 days at most."

While getting dressed, Lu Zhiyuan called Xin Yukun: "Brother Kun, ask about Keanu's schedule. If it's convenient, have him come to Tokyo to meet us as soon as possible."

Going to Tokyo?
What the hell?

Isn't that scheduled for next month?

Although he had some doubts, Xin Yukun didn't have anything else important to do; his main job was to assist Lu Zhiyuan.

When Lu Zhiyuan didn't need him, he would hang out in various clubs, looking for part-time model girls.

Although Yuankun Media only produces one film a year, Lu Zhiyuan is so good at making money that even if Xin Yukun only gets 10%, he can't possibly spend it all.

"Keanu is fine."

“I signed a priority contract with him. During the filming of this movie, no matter what he is doing, he must come over as soon as we need him.”

As the person who knows Lu Zhiyuan best, Xin Yukun is very clear that when Lu Zhiyuan is fully focused on filming, others should unconditionally match him.

Otherwise, he will lose that feeling.

If he loses that feeling, the movie is doomed.

Of course, his behavior will cause great trouble for others... but there's nothing he can do, he's the boss, and he's the one who put the whole project together.

Without him, we're all just nobody.

Therefore, he calls the shots. Whatever he wants to do, everyone has to cooperate with him.

Fortunately, apart from Keanu, everyone else was on their side, so there was no gossip.

……

"Reba, put your business activities on hold, it's time to get back to work."

"Honey, ask your teacher for leave, I'll take you on vacation to Tokyo."

"Shishi, oh, you're just lazing around at home? That's perfect. Pack your things and let's go to Tokyo to see the cherry blossoms."

……

Besides contacting these few people on our side.

Xin Yukun also needed to contact Japanese actors, especially Keiko Kitagawa.

The other party is very popular recently.

After the release of "Real Steel," she simultaneously announced her relationship, appeared on numerous reality shows, and kept breaking records for advertising endorsement fees.

"Hey, I'll cancel my other plans right away!"

However, upon hearing the call from the renowned director, Keiko Kitagawa still had some self-awareness and immediately chose to cooperate unconditionally.

If she doesn't cooperate, she could be replaced at any time.

In Japan, the entertainment industry is extremely competitive. Many beautiful idols can't get many gigs, let alone top-tier Hollywood blockbusters.

If other agencies found out that he was acting like a diva... I'm afraid that as soon as the news got out, more than a dozen agencies would rush to Lu Zhiyuan that very night to offer him hospitality money, hoping to squeeze in a role in a Hollywood blockbuster.

……

Lu Zhiyuan didn't care how Xin Yukun helped him handle it.

He had no interest in dealing with these trivial matters.

That evening, he packed his bags quickly and flew directly to Tokyo the next morning.

He brought three filming crews.

Xin Yukun arranged for all of them to check into a hotel first, waiting for the director to find his rhythm before starting work.

Lu Zhiyuan himself, along with Reba, Hanikezi, Liu Shishi, and Xin Yukun, strolled around the streets of Tokyo.

"This is Shibuya Crossing!"

"There are so many people."

Standing at one of Japan's most famous commercial crossroads.

Lu Zhiyuan couldn't help but recall a Japanese thriller/sci-fi film he had watched in another time and space, "Alice in the Land of the Dying".

A meteor fell, destroying the Shibuya Crossing.

A typical disaster thriller opening.

"Teacher, have you found the feeling you're looking for?"

Hanikezi was very happy. She didn't have to study at school or do math tests. She was traveling in Tokyo with Lu Zhiyuan.

a.

She silently hoped that Lu Zhiyuan could find his rhythm for a few more days.

She was able to spend a few more days with Dilraba.

"found it!"

Who knew that Lu Zhiyuan would reveal that chilling smile on his face after standing at Shibuya Crossing for only about 10 minutes?

“Honey, since you have become my apprentice, I will teach you some practical things.”

"Whether you become an actor or work behind the scenes in the future, this theoretical knowledge will help you."

"You'd better remember that."

Lu Zhiyuan patted Hanikezi's little head, then pointed to the extremely dense crowd in front of him, his eyes flashing with a cold light like a robot.

"No matter what kind of big battle it is, the groundwork is very important. It's too crude to start fighting right away."

"Every battle requires careful planning."

"While Pacific Rim is nominally a science fiction action film, at its core it is actually a disaster film."

"And Roland Emmerich has given us plenty of examples of how to make a disaster film."

"Before the disaster happened, as the director, I needed to build up that apocalyptic atmosphere so that every audience member who entered the cinema would realize how real it all was."

"And in terms of authenticity, it is particularly important to show the vulnerability of human civilization in the face of disaster."

Lu Zhiyuan spoke a few words.

Hanikezi's originally bright and lively eyes suddenly became sluggish, as if she had fallen into a daze.

My IQ is dropping drastically.

coming.

He started!

Hanikezi let out a wail and tightly gripped Reba's arm beside her, as if she could extract a bit of intelligence from Reba to replenish herself.

"Brother Kun, I want to shoot a long overhead shot here."

Lu Zhiyuan became so engrossed in his work that he didn't care whether Hanikezi understood or not, and began giving instructions to Xin Yukun next to him.

Upon seeing this, Xin Yukun quickly took out his notebook and began to take notes.

"Should DJI drones be sufficient for my filming needs now?"

Lu Zhiyuan first asked about the development status of the drone.

"Yes, that's possible. At the end of last year, DJI released a new drone that can be used for aerial photography. I tested it when I had some free time, and the results were pretty good."

After receiving an affirmative answer from Xin Yukun.

Lu Zhiyuan nodded and continued, "Brother Kun, the drone will slowly swoop down from the top of Tokyo Skytree and showcase the prosperity and modernity of Tokyo in 10 seconds." "Then, the drone will take aerial shots and fly to the Shibuya Crossing, showing the dense crowds and neon-lit billboards."

At this point, Lu Zhiyuan paused for a moment: "By the way, go and ask around if there are any sushi restaurants, anime poster shops, or tech companies that need advertising?"

"There are three seconds here, and the billboard is supposed to appear, so we can't waste it. However, it has to be a Japanese brand, so as not to make the movie feel unrealistic."

To understanding!

That’s what I want!
Lu Zhiyuan's previous films were mostly cyberpunk futures, so there weren't many product placements.

YG's robots are the biggest product placement.

Now, Lu Zhiyuan wants to destroy Tokyo while also trying to extract some advertising sponsorships from the Japanese.

Absolutely amazing.

What's the difference between this behavior and eating someone else's property?
However, Xin Yukun expressed his approval.

"Brother, I've got it. I'll have Keiko Kitagawa's agency help me get in touch. Getting a sponsorship fee of 100 million US dollars shouldn't be a problem."

Three billboards, three seconds of screen time, and a sponsorship fee of $100 million.

That's roughly the normal price for this era.

—In 2014, Yili Shuhua Milk had a three-second advertisement in "Transformers 4", which cost about 200 million US dollars.

"The long overhead shot taken by the drone is a long shot."

"Next, we need enough close-up details to show authenticity."

"Let me just imagine a few scenarios. For example, elementary school students flying carp kites, office workers squeezing onto the subway, and shrine maidens sweeping the steps of a shrine... All of this is as peaceful as normal life."

"However, there must be foreshadowing, and the feeling of undercurrents must be conveyed."

"For example, a kite suddenly breaks its string, the subway suddenly shakes for no reason, and a shrine maiden suddenly hears a bell ringing without wind."

"Uneasy lies hidden beneath the calm."

As Lu Zhiyuan spoke, the images that came to mind gradually appeared in the minds of those around him.

It's incredibly lifelike!
This is the feeling that disaster is about to strike.

Many people can't explain why some disaster movies are so immersive, while others, despite their grand scale, just lack a certain something.

Does this feeling stem from whether the details are realistic enough?

It's impossible to think of these details by just sitting in your office all day and daydreaming.

We must get out of this situation.

Take a look at the streets of Japan.

At this moment, standing on the busiest Shibuya Crossing in Japan, the scene of how Tokyo would be destroyed kept popping into Lu Zhiyuan's mind like popping beans.

"wrong."

"It's still missing something!"

The image was clear enough, but Lu Zhiyuan still lacked a certain feeling.

Before anyone else could ask, he snapped his fingers and said enthusiastically, "The background music needs a noticeable change here."

At this point, Lu Zhiyuan turned to Xin Yukun and asked, "What instruments were used to play the music at that geisha house you went to last time? You couldn't stop thinking about it after you came back."

Brother!

How can I reveal my secrets in front of so many girls?

Noticing that Reba, Hanikezi, and Liu Shishi had turned around and were looking at him with strange expressions, Xin Yukun felt a little embarrassed.

But now it's a proper job.

Lu Zhiyuan was in a daze, so even though he was embarrassed, he had to answer: "I think it's called something like 'long shamisen'. I don't know the specifics."

Lu Zhiyuan nodded: "The shamisen is a traditional Japanese string instrument. In short, it's that kind of music. It has a delicate tone and a somewhat elegant feel."

Upon hearing this, Xin Yukun nodded repeatedly, a relieved smile on his face.

Correct!
It's elegant.

It's not the decadent music you're imagining!

I am a person who has transcended vulgar tastes, possessing noble character and elegant taste, not what you think.

"Well, anyway, write it down."

"The background music needs to be changed from music with a Japanese feel to a kind of low-frequency electronic sound that keeps encroaching."

As for the background music, Lu Zhiyuan has always been irresponsible.

He only needs to tell others what kind of feeling he needs, and then Xin Yukun will spend money to find a professional music producer to create background music for him.

There are countless talented musicians in the world, like fish crossing a river.

Many people simply lack opportunities.

"After three minutes of build-up, it's about time the monster made its appearance."

"Because the first generation Angel monster was able to control electromagnetic force, when it approached Tokyo, all the electronic screens on the streets of Shibuya instantly turned into static."

"The tram will also be pulled by a special magnetic force, derailing directly and rushing towards the glass curtain wall building in the distance... Remember, this needs to be in slow motion. The moment the tram derails and crashes into the glass curtain wall, it needs to have incredibly detailed 3D special effects to create a strong sense of shock."

"However, these are all grand scenes, far from enough, lacking some details."

"Let me think."

At this moment, Lu Zhiyuan turned around and searched for something in the crowd.

Suddenly, he saw a young mother pushing a stroller.

The baby was sleeping peacefully in the stroller.

"How can this child sleep in such an environment?"

"A monster is about to destroy Tokyo. This child must be crying in terror. The mother has nowhere to escape. She finally sees a shelter, which is a vending machine."

"In a panic, she pushed the stroller behind the vending machine, thinking she was safe... Suddenly, she looked up and, through the glass wall behind the vending machine, saw a terrifying acid spewed out by a monster!"

"Remember, we need to show a slow-motion close-up here."

"Let this mother's extreme fear be conveyed through the trembling of her pupils!"

After Lu Zhiyuan finished speaking, he turned to look at the remaining four people, a hint of excitement on his face: "How about it? Don't you get the feeling that Tokyo has really been destroyed?"

It feels so good!
Dude, you're a truly insane artist!
The art student's skill is fully demonstrated in these details!

That's so vivid!

At this moment, Xin Yukun couldn't help but want to applaud on the spot.

At the same time, he looked at Lu Zhiyuan with a mixture of envy, jealousy, and admiration.

This guy is a monster!

I thought that he had already reached the pinnacle of his abilities by being able to make a sci-fi action film like "Real Steel".

To everyone's surprise, it evolved again.

At this moment, Xin Yukun could clearly feel that Roland Emmerich's soul had been injected into Lu Zhiyuan's body.

At this moment, he is a master of disaster movies!

The last shot, in particular, was absolutely brilliant.

A young mother, desperate and with nowhere else to turn, found a vending machine, knowing full well that it was no match for the monster.

It can only be used as a psychological comfort.

However, the next moment, the hideous face of the monster reflected in the mirror on the glass curtain wall shattered the mother's psychological comfort.

This chilling sense of dread doesn't need to be created through terrifying visuals; it simply touches upon the vulnerability of the human heart.

Horrifying images don't necessarily produce a terrifying effect; they can also be disgusting due to blood and gore.

But this helpless struggle in the face of disaster is the real terror that comes from the bottom of one's heart.

"Brother Kun, have you written it all down?"

After saying all this, Lu Zhiyuan had already fully sketched out the world-famous scene of Tokyo's destruction in his mind.

Destruction from beginning to end.

From the Imperial Palace, a symbol of power, to the shrines, a symbol of militarism, to the Tokyo Skytree, a symbol of modern civilization, to the streets of Shibuya, a symbol of prosperity and anime culture... all were destroyed.

This is not the end.

The final shot shows a young mother and her newborn baby, both of whom have died in the disaster.

However, this scene might seem too cruel during the review process.

Therefore, Lu Zhiyuan plans to use montage to express this.

The monster appeared in the reflection of the glass curtain wall, its appearance mirroring the mother's trembling pupils. Then the image flickered a few times before going completely black.

As a montage-style ending.

Otherwise, this movie might be classified as a B-movie, which would be troublesome.

This would directly reduce the number of teenage viewers by more than half.

"Brother, this shot is fantastic, incredibly realistic. But I have a concern: will it face a boycott from Japan?"

Xin Yukun was a little worried about this.

Japan is one of the biggest markets for this movie. If they go too far and face a boycott, they're doomed.

The scenes Lu Zhiyuan just described to him, interpreted from another perspective, are essentially about destroying everything related to Tokyo, from imperial power to civilization to human rights, in that order.

"No. Most people wouldn't understand it."

"They will only find the visuals very shocking, the sense of terror brought about by the destructive aesthetics, and the very realistic immersive experience."

Lu Zhiyuan smiled and shook his head, then added nonchalantly, "Even if you understood it, so what? I didn't write it outright. It was just a visual display."

"Besides, it's not just Tokyo that was destroyed. Hong Kong Island was destroyed, and so was Los Angeles."

Right!

Treat equally.

No one can say that you have any particular inclinations.

"Let's go find Kitagawa Keiko."

The prelude to a disaster film, the fragility of human civilization, has been vividly portrayed by Lu Zhiyuan.

After the monster landed in Tokyo, the collapse of landmark buildings, the struggle of humanity, and the extreme sense of terror were all vividly portrayed by Lu Zhiyuan through various details.

Now, he must find the first offering to give to the monster!
Keiko Kitagawa, and her mecha Onimusha!
"Brother, I'm afraid this is a bit inconvenient."

Xin Yukun pulled Lu Zhiyuan aside: "The arrangements for Kitagawa Keiko haven't been finalized yet. I arranged to meet her at 8 p.m.

"What do you mean?"

Lu Zhiyuan looked puzzled.

Why would a big-name director like me need to make an appointment with her just to discuss work?
Did something go wrong?
Believe it or not, just kick her out!
"Brother, don't misunderstand... She knows the rules. Last time she said she didn't treat us well, so this time she said she wants to show some hospitality."

Xin Yukun winked at Lu Zhiyuan.

Then, he secretly pointed with his finger at the three tagalongs behind him.

Reba, Hanikezi, Liu Shishi... they all came with me. What kind of hospitality is Kitagawa Keiko showing? What kind of special treatment is she giving?
Isn't this funny?
(End of this chapter)