The Birth of the Best Director

Chapter 368 Death and Eternity, the Everlasting Spiritual Power! Filming officially begins for "The Great Wall"!
……

As November drew closer, all the invited actors turned down their other work, eagerly awaiting Lu Zhiyuan's call.

Because November was the month Lu Zhiyuan had scheduled to join the "The Great Wall" production team.

In the week leading up to November, everyone was working hard to get themselves into top condition.

Yang Mi went to the beauty salon three times in a month, repairing her face every day, afraid that her face would suddenly collapse due to improper care, and then Lu Zhiyuan would kick her out of the film crew.

Other directors may not be so ruthless, but Lu Zhiyuan really is capable of doing it.

Yang Mi fears nothing but Lu Zhiyuan's cold gaze.

This was the closest she had ever come to working on a Hollywood blockbuster. Yang Mi felt she would regret it for the rest of her life if she missed it.

People's joys and sorrows are not the same.

Reba and Hanikezi don't care about playing minor supporting roles because they are always treated like leading ladies by Lu Zhiyuan.

But Yang Mi is different.

She was even worse off than Liu Shishi.

Because among everyone, she was the only actress who refused Lu Zhiyuan's invitation.

That's absolutely awesome!
She once turned down the lead role in a Palme d'Or-winning film!
"Dilraba, how am I looking? Would you say I've regained my youth?"

Yang Mi is about to turn 30, and among all the actresses, only Tang Yan is older than her.

Fan Binbin doesn't count.

Because Fan Binbin brought her own investment to the project, a full 5000 million yuan!
This is no ordinary feat.

Anyway, Yang Mi felt that she definitely didn't have the guts to take this gamble.

"Apart from being a little bald, there are no other problems."

Dilraba trusts Lu Zhiyuan's aesthetic sense; he certainly wouldn't give Yang Mi any bizarre hairstyles.

There's a high chance they'll give Yang Mi a wig.

As long as her hairstyle is fine, Yang Mi's eyes will bring out their greatest advantage.

of course.

The premise is that Yang Mi should not be allowed to open her mouth and say her lines.

Otherwise, viewers would soon notice that the expressions on the upper and lower halves of her face are out of sync, creating a huge sense of disharmony.

Reba believes that Lu Zhiyuan should know the truth.

"Honey, have a cup of tea to calm your nerves. Don't be too nervous. As long as you're there on the day filming officially starts, my husband will insist on using you no matter what problems you have afterward."

Dilraba recalled that when Liu Shishi was filming "Pacific Rim," she couldn't quite get many of her expressions right.

After realizing he couldn't handle Liu Shishi, Lu Zhiyuan immediately changed the camera angle and language.

After all, Lu Zhiyuan also knew that it was practically impossible for an actor to have a dramatic breakthrough in acting skills within a few days.

I believe Yang Mi will receive the same treatment.

"Thank you, ma'am."

Dilraba's line, "My husband," made Yang Mi so envious her mouth watered.

"Go for it! I'm waiting for you to become a global sensation."

Dilraba encouraged Yang Mi and subtly hinted that Yang Mi should keep an eye on Fan Binbin while on set.

Over the years, Dilraba has also discovered a pattern.

Every actress who joins the cast and becomes Lu Zhiyuan's leading lady will inevitably fall in love with him.

Even a calm and rational career woman like Fan Binbin is no exception.

"Don't worry, madam, leave it to me."

Yang Mi patted her chest and said righteously, "After joining the film crew, I immediately took night shifts for Brother Yuan and became his concubine."

Dilraba smiled silently.

Yang Mi has no chance.

If given the chance, Yang Mi would have become their fourth child long ago.

Moreover, Lu Zhiyuan is a world-class workaholic. Anyone who tries to mess around with him while he's filming will most likely be kicked out of the crew.

Yang Mi definitely doesn't have that courage.

"Ding!"

Just then, several WeChat groups that Yang Mi belonged to received a message.

"The Great Wall production team officially started filming on November 1st."

"Location: Lenghu Mars Geopark. All main characters, please come and report for duty. The rest of you don't need to. The location is rather remote, so thank you for your hard work."

This message was sent personally by Lu Zhiyuan.

In a group of several hundred people, he called out names one by one.

Being called out by his name is undoubtedly a great honor.

Although Lenghu Mars Geopark is a relatively remote place, most people have never even heard of it, let alone travel there.

Moreover, the production crew didn't reimburse expenses, which seemed rather stingy.

In short, Lu Zhiyuan's neurotic temperament when making movies was on full display under these circumstances.

But as I said before, this is an honor. Others want to go but can't.

Fan Binbin, as the female lead, was the first to be tagged and immediately replied, "Received, off I go!"

Zhao Wenzhuo posted a selfie: "I've arrived. The signal here is very poor. Before you come, please buy a phone with a better signal, otherwise, be prepared to lose contact."

The others also posted updates, all expressing their high expectations for the filming process.

Many of them were making a movie with Lu Zhiyuan for the first time.

This film will be a milestone for Lu Zhiyuan in achieving the highest cumulative box office in history, and it will definitely be widely reported by the media.

It became an integral part of film history.

Being able to participate in this film is a huge honor for everyone involved.

Yang Mi couldn't get a word in edgewise among this group.

However, a thought suddenly struck her. She glanced at Reba next to her and mustered up her courage to say, "Boss, the boss's wife was worried you wouldn't sleep well, so she asked me to bring you a pillow from home. Which one do you like?"

Lu Zhiyuan finally replied, "The oldest one."

After seeing this line of text, Yang Mi turned to look at Dilraba, thinking that Dilraba would be very happy, but unexpectedly, Dilraba turned around and left in anger.

A moment later, Reba tossed a pillow into Yang Mi's hand: "Take this pillow to him and tell him not to speak to me for 24 hours!"

What do you mean?
Yang Mi was completely confused. Lu Zhiyuan was showing off his affection in the group chat, so why did Dilraba suddenly get angry?

Just then, Jing Tian posted a message in the group chat, her tone slightly smug: "This latex pillow is already a collector's item. Back then, the price was extremely high, and hardly anyone bought it, so only a few of this batch were sold."

understood!

Jing Tian bought this pillow; no wonder Dilraba was so angry.

However, Dilraba is truly magnanimous.

After all these years, Lu Zhiyuan still sleeps on the latex pillow that Jing Tian gave him?
This level of frugality is a bit off.

She clearly still harbors feelings for him.

Just then, Yang Mi received a private message from Lu Zhiyuan: "Besides that latex pillow, bring me a case of grape juice from home."

"Okay, Brother Yuan."

After receiving this message, Yang Mi reported it to Dilraba.

Dilraba was still angry on the surface, but a smile involuntarily crept onto her lips: "I know, I'll go to the basement later and get him a box."

The way these people get along is really strange.

Yang Mi said she didn't understand it, but she really wanted to join in.

……

Lenghu Mars Geopark.

Yang Mi spent a whole day traveling by plane and then by long-distance bus to get to this place.

Fortunately, she is now quite wealthy, and the team had already arranged a driver before the trip.

Otherwise, she felt she would run herself ragged.

"Oops."

Why does my phone have no signal?

Yang Mi wanted to take out her phone to check the chat history in the group and see if anyone had been gossiping while she was on the plane.

This group is practically the most high-end group in the entire entertainment industry.

Moreover, because Lu Zhiyuan was active in the group for a while, everyone's mood for chatting was particularly high.

These female celebrities all wanted to show off their wit in front of Lu Zhiyuan and attract the attention of the famous director.

This peacock-like display is reminiscent of how several girls in school would secretly compete and vie for the same male idol.

……

Yang Mi had just gotten out of the car when she ran into Zhang Ruonan.

"Sister Mi, you're here. Come with me, Brother Yuan is over there discussing creative ideas." Zhang Ruonan greeted Yang Mi warmly and pulled her forward.

Both of them were originally artists under Yuankun Media. Later, after the artist department was split up, Yang Mi left with Dilraba and Zhang Tianai.

Zhang Ruonan became the company's only remaining employee.

Regardless, she and Yang Mi are considered to be fellow disciples.

Most importantly, Zhang Ruonan has never regarded Yang Mi as a competitor.

Who is Yang Mi?

In her entire career, has Yang Mi's total box office earnings from all the movies she's made ever reached the box office of just one movie, "Godzilla: Monarch"?
"Really? Take me there quickly."

Rumor has it that when Lu Zhiyuan is creating, he seems to glow, reaching the pinnacle of his charm.

This was completely opposite to his usual smug and annoying demeanor.

……

Soon, Yang Mi followed Zhang Ruonan and found Lu Zhiyuan.

"Gentlemen, look around. What does this place remind you of?"

At this moment, Lu Zhiyuan stood on a high platform, spreading his arms to let the entire crew and several main actors look around.

Look at the land beneath their feet.

Some emotions are too inadequate to be described in words, but when people are truly in the same environment, the commonalities in human emotions can bring everyone to the same level of thought.

Of course, some people have rather shallow thinking.

Some people think a little deeper.

But at least, their frequencies can resonate.

Zhang Ruonan was the first to raise her hand and said loudly with great confidence, "Brother, it is death, it is desolation, it is ruins. It is the remnants of civilization. It is the sublime natural environment, and it is us, these insignificant humans."

After speaking, Zhang Ruonan tilted her head back, looked around, and wanted to shout, "Who else?"
Although she was a poor student at school and failed almost all her courses, Zhang Ruonan was very certain that she got almost a perfect score in her class with Lu Zhiyuan.

Because she was chosen by Lu Zhiyuan from among 10 people.

This is even harder than getting into a top-tier university (like a 985 university).

"That's a very good answer."

Looking at the group of bewildered "newcomers," Lu Zhiyuan turned to Zhang Ruonan and said with a smile, "Xiao Su, make a note of this and give Xiao Nan a close-up shot!"

Good performance is rewarded by Lu Zhiyuan.

He paid out the rewards very quickly.

Zhang Ruonan's extraordinary confidence surprised Yang Mi, who couldn't help but ask, "How did you know? Did he give you special treatment?"

"I did my homework."

Zhang Ruonan was too lazy to waste words with Yang Mi.

That's why I was able to become the only representative of Yuankun Media.

Because I am Yuan Ge's sweet little cotton-padded jacket.

And you are merely nymphs who want to tempt him and lead him astray.

There are huge differences between people.

Just then, Lu Zhiyuan spoke up: "As many people may know, the art style of our film will be inspired by the German painter Friedrich. And a major characteristic of Friedrich's art style is death and eternity."

Death and eternity?
This is clearly an extreme contrast.

How can we achieve harmony and unity?
Yang Mi thought about it for a moment and decided it was better not to think about it at all; her head was starting to hurt.

"Our film's theme is the Great Wall. How can we make the Great Wall, this visual symbol, appear more epic?"

"Only eternity and death can make them sublime visual symbols."

"We make films not so that the audience can see the images in front of them, but so that they can see the spiritual power deep within the film!"

coming!

Keywords have appeared.

Spiritual strength!

No wonder the higher-ups appointed Lu Zhiyuan to direct this film; his films certainly have a powerful spiritual impact.

It's different from the kind of exquisite and scarred style that Zhang Yimou creates.

It's also different from Chen Kaige's style of both splendor and incompleteness.

Lu Zhiyuan's personal style revolves around eternity and death. This resonates with the audience, allowing them to feel his deep affection for each character.

It felt as if every goodbye was a final farewell.

Lu Zhiyuan's films are very fast-paced, but sometimes he will make the whole film suddenly quiet down, allowing the audience to feel that he has a unique emotion for these characters.

For example, in the opening scene of "Real Steel 3: Perseus", Jing Tian is standing on the beach, watching the waves rise and fall.

In this world, there is only Jing Tian!

At first, everyone just felt that the scene was very artistic, very grand and profound, and full of epic feeling.

But a year later, everyone knew that Lu Zhiyuan and Jing Tian broke up during the filming of this movie.

Therefore, this scene is quite meaningful.

Because it feels like a final farewell.

Whether it's Miss T's eternal farewell to the Perseus team in the movie, or Lu Zhiyuan and Jing Tian's separation in reality.

Before parting, he chose to gaze deeply at his former lover.

Viewers who understand this layer will suddenly realize, after watching the film, that director Lu Zhiyuan is truly unique.

Every scene seems to contain a story.

Like a world-famous painting, a movie becomes more and more captivating with each viewing. Behind every painting lies a moving story.

This painting is moving because of the story behind it.

This story became world-famous because of this painting!
A painter making a film is truly unique and full of artistic flair.

……

"Xiao Nan, what is he talking about? I have a bit of a headache."

Yang Mi is not unintelligent, but frankly, her ability to empathize with her characters is rather average.

For so many years, she has only been able to play one type of role.

That's herself.

She always shines when playing witty and lively characters. But she seems out of place in other types of roles.

"I don't know what he's talking about. I just think he's super handsome."

Zhang Ruonan has already been poisoned by Lu Zhiyuan.

Regardless of what Lu Zhiyuan was saying, she only did one thing: applaud and cheer.

Upon hearing this, Yang Mi couldn't help but roll her eyes. Another crazy girl, just like Hanikezi.

"Let's all go grab some food. We'll be filming our first scene this evening."

"The funeral of the Yin-Shang Dynasty." "I believe that after this scene is filmed, everyone will understand what I mean."

Lu Zhiyuan likes to bring all the main actors and crew members along when filming a movie, so that they can get a feel for the tone of the film.

Can actors immerse themselves in a role?
this point is very important.

Normally, before joining a film crew, actors need to experience life and understand what it's like to play a character.
This allows actors to better grasp the character.

But the reality is that these celebrities each earn millions a month, and their daily income is over 10. Who would have the time or inclination to settle down and experience life?
Fortunately, Lu Zhiyuan doesn't need the actors to experience life when filming such grand themes.

But he needs the actors to keep the same rhythm as him.

Since that's the case, he created a world for everyone, and led everyone in this world to struggle desperately until death!

……

The opening ceremony was very simple.

Lu Zhiyuan had no intention of doing it at all, but General Manager Kang from China Film Group made a special trip here to attend the opening ceremony.

He also brought many reporters with him.

Unfortunately, Lu Zhiyuan had no choice but to waste some time accompanying President Kang through this process.

Mr. Kang risked his entire career on this film.

No failures are allowed.

Over the years, Lu Zhiyuan has never cheated his partners.

He believes in the principle that if a partner can benefit from the cooperation, then as long as the other party is a smart person, the cooperation will only become smoother and smoother.

If things don't go smoothly, it can only prove one thing: he's met a fool.

If the other party is an idiot, he can only cut ties as quickly as possible to avoid wasting everyone's precious time and energy.

"Ah Yuan, I heard we're shooting the first scene, the first shot, tonight? You mean the opening scene of the movie? Can I stay and take a look?"

President Kang knew very well that Lu Zhiyuan liked to use the tactic of making a strong first impression in movies.

In other words, the opening act will be a major climax.

At least visually, it's impeccable.

"of course."

"However, it's highly unlikely that you'll see anything until the post-production special effects are finished. Filming these kinds of special effects blockbusters is actually quite boring for the actors."

When Lu Zhiyuan makes movies, he is never afraid of others copying his style.

Because he doesn't win people over with his plot.

The same script, given to 100 directors, can produce 100 different films.

This is because each director has a different artistic style.

Even if Lu Zhiyuan were to throw out the script of "The Great Wall" and let others copy it, to put it arrogantly, none of them would be able to copy it properly.

"It's nothing. I just want to soak up the atmosphere."

To be honest, even though President Kang has already staked everything, he still has some doubts now.

Who wouldn't have doubts?

Because after Lu Zhiyuan joined the film crew, his mental state became somewhat abnormal; he was completely a fanatical lunatic.

……

That night, the entire film crew was brightly lit.

Although the weather is already a bit cold, it doesn't snow here, which isn't the environment Lu Zhiyuan needs.

It must snow tonight.

It would be best if the snow covered the funeral route.

Fortunately, technology is now very advanced.

Snowmaking machines are also very common on film sets.

If Lu Zhiyuan needs it, the crew can even build him a ski resort in this world of endless yellow sand.

"Remember, when you're filming later, start with a wide-angle aerial shot from above, like the indifferent gaze of a god."

"Do you see the crater in the distance? When camera position 2 moves, we need to use this crater as a frame and then focus the lens on the ruins in the center."

"This is the ruins of the capital of the Shang Dynasty, and also the ruins of human civilization. In the face of nature and history, humans are as insignificant as dust. We must understand this atmosphere."

"Do you understand?"

Before filming, Lu Zhiyuan made it clear to the photography team that he wanted them to capture the kind of shots and compositions he needed.

As for the actors, they can simply follow the previously agreed-upon positioning.

"understand!"

"Brother Yuan, leave it to us, we guarantee there won't be any problems!"

These people worked with Lu Zhiyuan on several films, but they couldn't grasp his artistic style at all.

But as long as Lu Zhiyuan explains the technical aspects to them, they will help him implement them.

Becoming a competent photographer shouldn't be too difficult.

……

"Brother Kun, what are we filming tonight?"

Yang Mi previously acted in several romance movies with Su Lun.

However, how many romance movies have so much artistic atmosphere?

After the set was finished, the male and female actors chatted for a while, and then the scene was moved to another location.

The key to a romantic movie lies in its dialogue.

These sets are just too expensive; how can a romance film afford them?

The film that Lu Zhiyuan shot might burn through Yang Mi's entire year's income.

"We need to film ruins, we need to film tragedy, we need to film a ritual where the sacred and the evil are intertwined."

"Didn't you see? There's a big coffin over there."

The script was written by Xin Yukun, so he knew what Lu Zhiyuan was planning to film tonight, but he only wrote a rough outline of the plot.

If you really want to create great visuals, you have to look to Lu Zhiyuan.

Lu Zhiyuan will present him with a mysterious, sublime, and spiritually powerful visual effect in a way that surpasses his imagination!
The script he wrote needed to be brought to life by Lu Zhiyuan.

From a certain perspective, Lu Zhiyuan was his best tool.

He loved watching how Lu Zhiyuan helped him bring the exciting plot of the script to life.

……

"let's start."

In this movie, Lu Zhiyuan ultimately decided to play the role of Prince Yin Wu of the Shang Dynasty himself.

Zhao Wenzhuo will play one of his generals.

He became his stunt double.

Help him charge into battle.

As a prince, Lu Zhiyuan only needs to appear in grand scenes, become a symbol of the Yin Shang remnants, and portray the madness of someone willing to pay any price for revenge.

Zhao Wenzhuo couldn't portray that kind of madness.

For Lu Zhiyuan, this was just an everyday occurrence.

The two complement each other in their roles. Lu Zhiyuan essentially split one character into two.

I've simplified my life.

……

As Lu Zhiyuan had instructed beforehand.

Camera 1 begins to move slowly from an aerial perspective, hovering 100 meters above the ground, with the night below appearing as hazy as mist.

Within the mist, the outline of a dark mountain range could be seen.

In the center of the mountain range is a huge, eye-shaped circular valley.

At the center of the circular valley are the remains of the ancestral temple of the Yin-Shang dynasty.

Inside the Lenghu Mars Geopark, there are many small hills that look like ancient ruins.

The prop team only needs to select some giant stone pillars among these small hills, make some minor modifications, and an ancient ruin resembling an altar will appear.

……

Camera position 1, as a long-range shot, slowly descends, allowing the focus of the field of view to gradually descend from high to low.

It's like a god looking down upon all living beings.

A grand aura swept over us.

……

at the same time.

Camera position 2, a medium shot, was fixed by Lu Zhiyuan.

At this moment, the camera focuses on the intersection of the ruins.

It was a triangular gate formed by two leaning stone pillars.

Outside the door, Lu Zhiyuan's character, Yin Wu, stands quietly in the wind and snow, wearing a black cloak, with his back to the camera.

Gazing into the depths of the ruins.

The visuals here are very elaborate.

Lu Zhiyuan specially designed a triangular door.

Because this is a compositional method that allows his character to directly become the visual focus in the eyes of the audience, guiding their gaze.

In the hazy night, amidst the drifting snow, a figure draped in a black cloak stood before ancient ruins. In the darkness, countless shadowy faces could be seen.

Such a scene was undoubtedly filled with solemnity and a sense of ritual.

In just a few seconds of footage, the tone of the entire film is set. This is a film with a somber and austere theme.

……

Camera position 1 shows a distant view.

Camera position 2 is a medium shot.

Camera position 3, naturally, is for close-ups.

At this moment, the photographer in position number 3, holding the camera, slowly circled around Lu Zhiyuan, shooting his profile from a low angle.

Shooting from this angle makes Lu Zhiyuan appear even taller, more mysterious, and more majestic in the night.

At the same time, the camera also focused on a close-up of a bronze mirror covered in patina in Lu Zhiyuan's hand.

In the later special effects, a strange vortex-like state will appear on the surface of this bronze mirror, and black, twisted matter, like ghosts, will be sucked into the mirror.

From this moment on, the visual spectacle will be unmistakably revealed.

This is the national treasure of the Yin-Shang Dynasty, the [Bone-Illuminating Mirror].

In the novel "Ghost Blows Out the Light", this treasure is called the "Qin King's Bone-Illuminating Mirror"!
—In real history, the cultures of Qin and Shang were closely related, both using the black bird as a totem and sharing almost identical funeral customs. Furthermore, the ancestors of the Qin kings were high-ranking officials of King Zhou of Shang, who had assisted Shang in resisting Zhou, and even rebelled after the fall of the Shang dynasty.

In conclusion, the relationship between Qin and the Shang Dynasty was exceptionally close.

They are almost equivalent to different branches of a tribe.

……

"With the blood of the Black Bird, I call your name! With the bones of Pan Geng, I release you from your bonds!"

As Lu Zhiyuan uttered his lines, his eyes held a mixture of determination, pain, and a hint of fanaticism.

……

"Pretty!"

"This acting is so immersive!"

"Brother Yuan, you're amazing!"

The other actors present initially thought that Lu Zhiyuan, as a director, was probably only so-so in terms of acting skills.

Oscar winner?
Many people think that the Oscars didn't want to give Lu Zhiyuan the Best Director award, so they jokingly gave him the Best Actor award instead.

But now it seems his acting skills are actually quite good!

At least when it comes to playing mentally ill characters, there's absolutely no fault to be found.

……

At this moment.

After Lu Zhiyuan recited his lines, he drew a bronze dagger from his waist, gripped the hilt firmly, and then, without hesitation, sliced ​​the blade across his palm.

Blood gushes out.

It dripped onto the bone-revealing mirror.

……

There were no special effects during the actual filming.

No one understands what kind of dazzling effect Lu Zhiyuan is trying to create here.
Overall, the atmosphere was pretty good.

As you can probably tell, the character played by Lu Zhiyuan is performing a mysterious ritual in an attempt to summon some kind of monster.

He used his own blood, along with the bones of the deceased Shang king, Pan Geng, to offer as a sacrifice to a monster and release it from its bonds.

This monster is most likely a member of the royal family from the early Shang Dynasty, who was sealed here.

Isn't this a kind of destiny?
The ancestors of the Shang Dynasty sealed monsters here to prevent them from disturbing human survival and reproduction. Now, for the sake of restoring his kingdom, Yin Wu, a descendant of the Shang Dynasty, has chosen to break the seal!

……

The next second.

Lu Zhiyuan spread his arms wide, letting blood drip from his hands, and stood in front of the mirror with a crazed expression.

Others couldn't understand it either; what exactly was going on?
All they could see was the photographer's lens trembling slightly, as if simulating an earthquake.

……

What are these photos of?

Completely incomprehensible.

However, this is precisely the characteristic of visual blockbusters.

Until post-production is complete, the actors themselves don't even know what they are acting out.

Lu Zhiyuan knows what he is playing, which gives him an advantage over many other actors.

……

"I think I understand it."

"That's definitely Friedrich's style."

"Moreover, it is a dark version of 'Wanderer on the Fog Sea'."

"The character played by A Yuan is like a wanderer in a painting, with his back to the common people, standing on the edge of the ruins."

"What he was gazing at was no longer a magnificent sea of ​​clouds, but a dark abyss that he himself had unleashed, a abyss capable of swallowing the world."

President Kang had also read the script, so he roughly knew what Lu Zhiyuan was acting out at that moment.

He is releasing a demon.

really.

Lu Zhiyuan, who plays the villain, is incredibly charismatic and has a fantastic presence.

In order to make the movie "The Great Wall" a hit, Lu Zhiyuan once again chose to personally play the villain.

He really spared no expense to make the movie.

Since the audience likes to see him play villains, then he'll play villains to the very end!
Mr. Kang originally thought that after playing the lead role in "Mojin: The Lost Legend", Lu Zhiyuan would give up the villain role.

Unexpectedly, he eventually came back!

"This movie should be approved!"

Lu Zhiyuan's performance in this role reminded President Kang of the classic villains, Dr. Li and Li Wen.

(End of this chapter)