The Birth of the Best Director

Chapter 317 The Super Commercial Film Plan for "Mojin: The Lost Legend"! The Ancient City of Jingjue, the Dragon Ridge Caves, the Kunlun Divine Palace
……

China Film Digital Shooting Base.

Lu Zhiyuan looked at the samples the other party brought over and touched them, then frowned.

"Brother Yuan, what's wrong?"

Guo Fan, observing the situation, went up and asked.

He knew that these models simply couldn't meet Lu Zhiyuan's demanding requirements.

When Lu Zhiyuan was making his first film, the models used by the other party were already at this level. It's been almost five years, and they're still at this level?
How could this not be criticized?
really.

Lu Zhiyuan put down the samples in his hand and said bluntly, "Xiao Guo, these prop models look too plasticky and aren't realistic enough. It's not the feeling I want!"

Feel!

This damn feeling!

Guo Fan was inwardly frantic, but outwardly displayed a strong thirst for knowledge: "Brother Yuan, what kind of feeling do you want? Tell me, and I'll talk to the suppliers. Recently, they've been researching a high-tech mechanical prop. Tsui Hark's 'Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy' used this technology."

Filming for "The Taking of Tiger Mountain" was completed in April, and post-production is currently underway. If all goes well, it should be released around Christmas.

in the country, Xu Laoguai is considered a technology fanatic!

In the past two years, the technology for converting 2D to 3D in domestic films has gradually caught up, and the gap with Hollywood's special effects technology is no longer too large.

However, in terms of props, there is still a significant gap.

It's not a technical gap, but an aesthetic one!

This is fatal.

Lu Zhiyuan thought for a moment, unsure how to describe it, and then suggested a name: "Xiao Guo, do you know Stan Winston?"

"know."

Guo Fan nodded.

Stan Winston is a very unfamiliar name to people outside the industry. He is neither a super director nor a superstar.

But for people in the industry, especially those who make props and models, he is an unavoidable figure!

Because he is one of Hollywood's top special effects prop masters.

His representative works include the Terminator series, the Jurassic Park series, and he also helped complete the prop model making for Iron Man!

He has won countless Oscars for Best Visual Effects and Best Makeup... He is an iconic figure in the industrialization of Hollywood!
"Brother Yuan, you don't want me to become Stan Winston, do you?"

Although Guo Fan longed to become such a legendary figure, the problem was that he didn't have the talent!
Stan Winston studied painting and sculpture from a young age.

He had a solid foundation in aesthetics trained since childhood, so his career change to props and makeup was not a casual one.

Like Lu Zhiyuan, who studied painting from a young age and is also very proficient in sculpture, such a person can easily make props and makeup, and can also become an art director.

You could also switch careers and become a director.

A strong aesthetic sense is the most important talent in all artistic creation.

"No, of course I wouldn't think that way."

"In my opinion, your talent goes far beyond this."

"Sooner or later, you'll get a better opportunity to become a real sci-fi director, instead of staying here as my assistant!"

Lu Zhiyuan highly regards and values ​​Guo Fan.

Guo Fan is a well-rounded talent.

However, as a deputy, Guo Fan was so useful that Lu Zhiyuan was reluctant to let him go out and work independently.

Therefore, they would rather give him company shares than not keep him and have him assist them.

Guo Fan didn't plan to go out and start a business himself.

Following Lu Zhiyuan, he can also make blockbuster movies without having to bear the pressure or raise investment himself.

He also holds a very high position within the industry.

Lu Zhiyuan has always been very generous when it comes to money.

Guo Fan has been with Lu Zhiyuan for so many years, and he must have earned at least two or three hundred million RMB... He has both money and status.

Lu Zhiyuan also valued him highly.

If he weren't like Lu Zhiyuan, who doesn't really enjoy going out, Kun Ge could take him all over the world.

As a working person, what's the point of getting to this point?
"Brother Yuan, just say what you want to say. I know you're very busy today."

Guo Fan has just received a text message.

It was sent to him by Su Lun.

Su Lun has now arrived at Gao Yuanyuan's house and even asked Guo Fan if he wanted to come over together.
Mr. Gao's house is very lively today!

Just 10 minutes ago, Miss Jing Tian also arrived at President Gao's house!

Upon hearing this news, Guo Fan was itching to go... Miss Jing Tian and Lu Zhiyuan had just finished chatting upstairs when she rushed to Gao Yuanyuan's house.

This is so exciting! He really wants to see the second half!
Guo Fan was truly impressed by Lu Zhiyuan's work ethic... His home was practically exploding with stress, yet he could still work here with peace of mind, talking to him about props and models.
If it were anyone else, they'd probably be so frustrated they'd be freaking out, let alone have the energy to think about it.
"Xiao Guo, don't talk about other things during work hours."

Lu Zhiyuan tapped the table lightly to remind Guo Fan to be careful. This was a company, with dozens of people watching them. They shouldn't be talking nonsense!
"Sorry, Brother Yuan, please continue!"

Guo Fan also stopped smiling, his face becoming very serious.

He was terrified that if he accidentally showed any interest in the gossip, his boss would make things difficult for him!
"We won't discuss the static props and devices in the ancient tomb for now. Because these things can be synthesized using CGI effects later."

"However, dynamic elements... such as zombies that appear in ancient tombs, will be the audience's visual focus when the movie is released, so they must be made realistic!"

"The skin and texture of the zombies, their feel, and the differences in their degree of decay... Think about it carefully."

"I don't know the specifics either. You should discuss it with the prop masters."

"In short, don't think about relying on simple makeup or post-production CGI effects."

"During the actual filming process, you need to make the audience realize that this thing is a zombie, not a ghoul or some other monster."

"If possible, ask the tool department if they can make a simple outer shell and then design a mechanical skeleton inside."

Lu Zhiyuan wants to turn zombies into androids!

Other people making movies certainly don't need to do this.

But he owns a robotics company and is quite knowledgeable about robots.

Robots, when used to simulate the stiff, heavy, slow, and eerie movements of zombies, can be incredibly realistic.

It can instill a great sense of fear in people!
In short, no live actor could portray such a bizarre state.

"detail!"

"Pay attention to details!"

Science fiction or surreal films must pay attention to detail.

Films that reflect the real world, on the other hand, don't need to pay special attention to these small details; they should focus more on the genuine emotions between the characters.

Using emotions as a bond, the plot is quickly driven forward, immersing the audience in the fast-paced narrative so that they don't have time to observe the details of the props or play a spot-the-difference game!
But the logic of special effects movies is the opposite.

To provide an immersive experience for the audience, a complete magical world must be presented to them.

The more realistic the details, the better the movie experience, and the higher the box office will naturally be!
"Brother Yuan, I understand!"

Lu Zhiyuan's words make a lot of sense, and Guo Fan agrees. But the working class might not think the same way.

The boss requires 120 points!
Most of the time, getting 60 points is already considered very generous!
This requires Guo Fan, the project manager, to focus on the key points.

"Thanks for your hard work, brothers. The budget for this movie is sufficient, and the overtime pay for the props team will be doubled."

A budget of $1 million!

As the lead actor, Lu Zhiyuan won't receive a large salary. For him, simply playing himself in the film is quite easy.

A movie, 7200 seconds long, has about 3000 shots, 2000 of which are special effects shots.

The main character, Hu Bayi, will have no more than 500 scenes!
Under normal circumstances, given Lu Zhiyuan's status, the project team would need to offer him at least 1000 million US dollars in remuneration... which translates to 2 US dollars per shot!
Are you kidding me?
He, as the director, designed all the shots.

As an actor, he's just standing there selling his face, how could he possibly be worth so much?
So sometimes... he often forgets that he is the lead actor, and he always cuts his own salary and then allocates the budget to props and special effects!
This also makes his films have very exquisite special effects and props, which are completely different from other domestic films.

After all, this was bought with money!
"Xiao Guo, I'm leaving now. I'm leaving this to you. I'll probably be quite busy at home this month. I know you should have received the message by now."

Lu Zhiyuan patted Guo Fan on the shoulder, everything was understood without words.

As soon as Lu Zhiyuan left, Guo Fan called everyone over: "Everyone heard that... Brother Yuan just said that overtime pay for this project will be doubled!"

"Go out and ask around...which film crew pays for overtime?"

"So, you should cherish it."

"You won't find another boss like Brother Yuan in the Chinese film and television industry!"

"If you cheat and mess up the project... and make Brother Yuan disheartened, he'll just jump ship to Hollywood and join Disney to make Marvel movies."

"If Yuan Ge makes two 'Avengers' movies, he can surpass Spielberg and become the greatest of all time!"

"And you guys? With your lazy and irresponsible attitude, where are you going to find this kind of job? You really like 996, especially the kind without overtime pay!"

Guo Fan gave him a good scolding.

Everyone present looked ashamed.

The main reason is that after thinking about it, they felt that Guo Fan was right.

In the film and television industry, overtime work usually doesn't pay.

Therefore, the props department has its own ways of making money.

Makeup teams have their own ways of making money.

Production teams also have their own ways of making money.

In short, this industry is highly unregulated, with gray market activities rampant.

Didn't Lu Zhiyuan know that?

he knows!
But he never said anything.

Because everyone has a family to support, if you pay them a normal salary or calculate it by hourly rate, their income is actually not high.

As long as it's not too excessive, Lu Zhiyuan won't say anything if you make a little money.

He made the lion's share, so naturally he had to share some with his subordinates, but he couldn't go too far and affect the quality of his movies.

Moreover, Yuankun Media has its own core competitive advantages.

They are one of the few companies in the industry that truly comply with labor laws.

During normal working hours, although everyone works 007 (24/7), overtime pay is always at the maximum rate. After the project is completed, everyone will have one month of paid leave.

In addition, the project bonuses are exceptionally high! If they leave Yuankun Media and switch to other companies, their compensation will be at most half of what it was before.

Thinking about it this way, in order to ensure that their income does not plummet and their quality of life does not decline, everyone has no choice but to work themselves to the bone for Lu Zhiyuan.

No discounts whatsoever!
"Everyone, work hard! If this project succeeds, I'll apply for additional project bonuses for everyone. It won't be less than a million US dollars!"

"If it's less than this number, I'll personally make up the difference for everyone!"

Guo Fan did the math.

He owns 2% of Yuankun Media's shares... The "Mojin: The Lost Legend" project should at least earn him 1 million US dollars.

That means he earned $200 million!
Even if he gives out a million dollars in bonuses to the props team, he'll still make a million dollars himself!

Not a loss!

The film was a huge success, and Lu Zhiyuan must have been very happy. Guo Fan felt the same way, since he did indeed own shares in the company.

The same goes for other staff members; they also receive bonuses.

In this way, everyone benefits.

With this flywheel-driven working model, their enthusiasm for work will only increase, making success almost inevitable!

……

After the China Film Digital Shooting Base project concluded.

Lu Zhiyuan then went to the special effects company for "Black Hole Event Horizon" and chatted with Schwarzschild for a while.

"Schwarzschild, I've drawn concept art for [The Ancient City of Jingjue], [The Dragon Ridge Caves], and [The Kunlun Shrine]. Could you help me make a preview first?"

In the original movie "Mojin: The Lost Legend," the three main characters spent a lot of time talking nonsense in America, a pace that Lu Zhiyuan disliked.

A true blockbuster with special effects should be explosive from beginning to end.

The love-hate entanglement between the male and female protagonists is completely meaningless.

Audiences don't go to the cinema to see this.

The original "Mojin: The Lost Legend" was filmed in Inner Mongolia, mainly because the character Ding Sitian was sent to work in the countryside there, and the director, Wuershan, is of Mongolian ethnicity.

In addition, another reason is that the tomb of Princess Zhigu of the Liao Dynasty was excavated around 2003.

The storyline on the grasslands in the movie "Mojin: The Lost Legend" was based on the tomb of Princess Zhigu.

Wuershan has a strong attachment to his hometown, which is understandable to Lu Zhiyuan.

But he has no attachment to Inner Mongolia; he prefers the vast Northwest!
I like yellow sand, Gobi Desert, snow-capped mountains, and Terracotta Warriors.

Most importantly, filming according to the original "Mojin: The Lost Legend" would miss an important character... [Queen of Jingjue]!
Without the Queen of Jingjue... how could they have made contact with the Kunlun Divine Palace?

If he can't connect with the Kunlun Shrine, how can Lu Zhiyuan film the Great Wall and connect it with King Mu of Zhou and the Queen Mother of the West?

Therefore, his script needs to be drastically revised!
Fortunately, most of the filming of this movie took place in a studio, with special effects production done there.

There won't be many actual location shoots.

This is also the mainstream shooting method for 3D blockbusters at present!
"Boss, I'll try my best to help you build the framework."

"By the way, boss, are you sure you want to use a completely new camera technique?"

"Explosions, slow motion, ultra-wide angles... these are Michael Bay's signature moves. Are you sure you want to use this completely new shooting style?"

Schwarzschild asked Lu Zhiyuan three times!

When the director changes his style, the special effects style naturally needs to be transformed as well.

Previously, Lu Zhiyuan preferred to use the style of Roland Emmerich, using details to create an atmosphere of disaster.

Godzilla: Monarch takes this style to its extreme, and also incorporates elements of a romantic and magnificent style similar to that of Peter Jackson.

Actually not!

Schwarzschild was unaware that it was a grand epic belonging to the Hudson River School, imbued with the spirit of Manifest Destiny… However, in his view, the two were not much different.

"Mojin: The Lost Legend" is clearly not a disaster movie.

It's a completely new style of Eastern fantasy!

Lu Zhiyuan is trying out a completely new style... so his special effects style also needs to be gradually adjusted to match Lu Zhiyuan's cinematic language!

"Yes, that's right!"

"We're going to make a fast-paced, high-octane fantasy blockbuster!"

"Mojin: The Lost Legend" doesn't pursue any artistic merit.

It is an adaptation of a novel.

If the movie becomes a hit, the novel can be adapted into dozens of languages ​​and sell 1000 million copies!

Just from the novel publishing fees alone, Tianxia Bachang can earn tens of millions!
Therefore, Lu Zhiyuan gave the film copyright fees to Tianxia Bachang without sharing them!
Moreover, he was much kinder than the previous copyright holder... He did not forbid Tianxia Bachang from continuing to use "Ghost Blows Out the Light" for his creations.

Anyway, with his current fame, he doesn't need to ride the coattails of "Ghost Blows Out the Light".

The name Lu Zhiyuan carries far more weight in the film market than the name "Ghost Blows Out the Light"!

"Boss, give me a week. I'll try to make a preview first."

Building a basic model to construct the three surreal scenes that Lu Zhiyuan needed, without pursuing the ultimate lighting and shadow effects, was a piece of cake for Schwarzschild.

All you need to do is render it.

After all, the company has thousands of employees.

He didn't need to do these kinds of small tasks himself.

The special effects cost for each of Lu Zhiyuan's films is at least 5000 million US dollars.

[Black Hole Horizon] Over the years, they have earned 3 to 4 million US dollars just from orders from Lu Zhiyuan, which is at least 20 billion RMB!
In North America, the net profit of special effects companies is only around 10%.

Of these costs, labor costs account for about 60% of the total cost!

However, in China, labor costs are only about 30% of those in North America... In other words, labor costs only account for about 20% of the total costs!

Based on this calculation, the profit margin of this special effects company is at least 50%!

Outsiders don't know about "Black Hole Horizon," they only know that Yuankun Media is very powerful... In fact, the profits of special effects companies are just as good!

Besides creating special effects for Lu Zhiyuan's own films, they also took on many special effects jobs for Hollywood, such as those needed by Netflix.

To win over Lu Zhiyuan, Universal Pictures would offer him a contract worth around $2000 million every year.

The same goes for Disney.

Actually, some of Marvel's special effects were done by their Black Hole Event Horizon team!
Especially their part about the universe and starry sky, they are the best in the industry!

Over the course of five years, the company [Black Hole Vision] has earned Lu Zhiyuan at least $500 million.

It's too exaggerated!

This is just one of the most inconspicuous companies under Lu Zhiyuan's management.

However, Schwarzschild did not think so.

He felt that Lu Zhiyuan could live without Guo Fan, without Su Lun, and without Xin Yukun... but he couldn't live without the [Black Hole Horizon]!
He is Lu Zhiyuan's best partner on his journey to pursue the best of history!

He heard that Lu Zhiyuan had taken on a very difficult project called "The Great Wall," which aimed to promote the image of Sino-foreign cooperation.

Schwarzschild thought, why not film him?

Since he came to China, he is no longer allergic to peanuts, and he no longer needs to take many antibiotics... Moreover, he earns more and spends less!

Prices here are incredibly cheap!

I'm so happy!
……

The entire project of "Mojin: The Lost Legend" is progressing smoothly and systematically.

The entire team is like a sophisticated machine, with countless gears working together with Lu Zhiyuan, the driving engine.

As long as it doesn't jam, once the flywheel effect starts spinning, the work process will be incredibly fast.

Lu Zhiyuan liked this smooth feeling!

It was incredibly smooth.

"That's enough, time to go home."

Lu Zhiyuan stayed in the [Black Hole Horizon] until around 5 o'clock.

Just as everyone else was preparing to work overtime tonight and quietly starting to order takeout, Lu Zhiyuan left.

"what's the situation?"

"Has the boss gone mad? He didn't even make us work overtime today?"

"This is so unusual. Is he going out for a big meal now so he can stay up all night?"

Lu Zhiyuan owns several companies, but he rarely stays at the others for long.

Throughout his directing career, he spent at least half of his time at the visual effects company, Event Horizon!
After all, Lu Zhiyuan is a master of visual arts!
When it comes to special effects, he's the real expert.

He could use the naked eye to judge the differences in light source angle and color temperature, and then criticize Schwarzschild and his team mercilessly.

It made everyone make crazy changes.

What a pervert!
……

The employees of [Black Hole Horizon] were unsure whether Lu Zhiyuan would return later.

They assumed they would be working overtime tonight.

Anyway, these programmers, besides working overtime, don't know what else to do.

Go to an outside gym?
The company has more fitness equipment than many gyms!
Are you going out to pick up girls?

It's not necessary!

Kun takes everyone to a social gathering every month; it's all young models.

Upon seeing these shy programmers, the young women were incredibly charming, calling them "brother" this and "brother" that in a very sweet voice, and they even came out wearing black stockings, high heels, and bodycon skirts.

Comes with its own combat equipment.

They only need to pay 3000 yuan to choose whatever they want... If it's more than 3000 yuan, Brother Kun will provide a subsidy!
With everyone's income, once a month is a perfectly affordable expense.

This is much more cost-effective than picking up girls!

Unless you're thinking about getting married and having children, working here is practically like being a god.

……

PS: There is one more chapter

(End of this chapter)