Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 204 That Bastard Wu Chen

In the afternoon at the Huairou base, the sunlight slanted down, and the wind blew through the tall tree branches onto the outer wall of the film crew, creating a layer of mottled light and shadow.

"interesting!"

Jiang Wen stood outside the "Black Peony" set, a playful smile on his face. He tugged at his collar and led Zhou Yun toward the pre-booked photography studio.

"What's interesting?" Zhou Yun asked, standing next to him, somewhat puzzled.

"I mean, Wu Chen is an interesting guy," Jiang Wen smiled, his tone unhurried. "He's not like those shady characters in the industry."

“Director Wu doesn’t seem like the type to resort to underhanded tactics.” Zhou Yun thought for a moment and nodded affirmatively.

Jiang Wen laughed and replied, "Hehe, he's definitely not, but he's being open about it!"

"?" Zhou Yun was stunned, not knowing for a moment what Wu Chen and Jiang Wen had just talked about.

"I'll give him a little push later," Jiang Wen said, and Zhou Yun looked on with curiosity.

Jiang Wen casually recounted the conversation that had just taken place.

Zhou Yun couldn't help but laugh after hearing this: "Isn't your behavior a bit too obvious?"

"Is it that obvious?" Jiang Wen asked back.

"It's quite obvious."

"That's good! As long as it works."

"."

Meanwhile, at No. 2 Fuxingmenwai Street in Beijing.

"Director Wu, hello, what is it?"
Some Black activist groups in the United States have invited you to speak about "Get Out".

Director Wu, please don't go! Director Tong needs to speak with you later!

He walked quickly to the office and whispered a few words in Tong Gang's ear.

Upon hearing this, Tong Gang immediately took the phone and repeatedly instructed:

"Wu Chen, diplomacy is no small matter. Your movie is already sensitive enough. Making a little bit is fine, but you mustn't interfere in other countries' affairs. You can't do that."
Your current role is different; you need to be more careful in everything you do.

"Don't worry, Director Tong, I've already asked Global to reject them," Wu Chen replied with a laugh on the other end of the phone.

"That's good." Tong Gang breathed a sigh of relief.

"By the way, Director Tong, I heard that many film commissions have recently been choosing films based on the Nanjing theme?"

Tong Gang frowned slightly upon hearing this. He was cautious about directors collectively focusing on this subject matter: "Well, there are already six scripts this year. What, are you also interested in this?"
I suggest you stay away from this. There are so many other subjects you could film, why are you fixated on this one?

"Well, I just chatted with Director Jiang, and we also think this subject matter is quite interesting."

Upon hearing Jiang Wen's name, Tong Gang was taken aback. He knew all too well what kind of person Jiang Wen was. If this subject matter was to be filmed, there was a 99% chance it would be banned, and it would most likely end up being made into "Jinling is Coming".

"I wanted to ask about the review process, mainly because I'm worried that the review might take several years."

Personally, I think that with more and more of our films and television works going global, it's really easy to run into trouble if we don't do a good job of making subjects like these that involve international perspectives and national memories.

In recent years, foreign media have been keeping a close eye on things, and if we are not careful, our country's image could be distorted.

I'm a bit hesitant to tackle this kind of subject matter, not because it's difficult to film, but because the responsibility is too heavy and the stance too difficult to strike. A single mishandled shot can easily give others grounds for criticism.

Tong Gang listened and nodded in satisfaction.

Look at that, what a great awareness! Such thoughtful consideration!

"Yes, you're right about that."

To put it simply, the script had to be reviewed line by line; no one had special privileges, not even a famous director.

After Wu Chen finished applying the eye drops he wanted, he chatted casually for a few more minutes and then stopped.

After hanging up the phone, Tong Gang looked thoughtful, and couldn't help but think of several scripts about Nanjing, his brows furrowing even more.

The next morning, Jiang Wen, wearing a jacket and scarf, swaggered into the Film Bureau and got straight to the point:

"My film 'The Sun Also Rises' has finally wrapped up filming, and now I'm preparing for my next one."

I've heard that stories about Nanjing are quite popular lately. I've been thinking about it for a long time and I'm planning to make one myself. If the project approval process is easy, I'll get started.

That shout really gave the bureau a headache.

At this moment, inside the Huairou base, the rehearsal hall set for "Black Peony" had been completed. The lighting technician had just adjusted the overhead cold lights, and a beam of light from the center of the stage shone onto the wooden floor in front of the stage.
Wu Chen stood behind the monitor, whispered a few words to the people next to him, his eyes fixed on Xu Wei on the screen, or rather, the "Xu Wei" played by Liu Yifei.

This scene depicts Xu Wei, who is imprisoned, being stopped in front of the troupe leader during her audition for Du Liniang. From this moment on, her gradually suppressed emotions slowly tear apart the gentle and perfect shell that lies within her.

"Action!"

With a soft whisper from Wu Chen, the camera started rolling.

Incense smoke drifted softly across the stage, and the stage lights were gentle.

Liu Yifei slowly walked onto the stage, her steps extremely precise, her shoulders and back straight, her water sleeves fluttering lightly, but her lips remained tightly pursed.
This section is not difficult. You only need to sing in a melodious and clear tone, and then make every movement like the textbook "Kunqu Opera Performance Procedures"—proper and dignified.

The other camera was pointed at the audience.

No one in the audience applauded. At this moment, Liu Qing, played by Li Qin, merely raised the corner of her mouth and stared at her with a half-smile.

"Cut! We'll secure another one later!"

After Wu Chen finished speaking, he gestured to the sound engineer to "go quieter" and then leaned close to the cameraman's ear to give him extra details about the shot.

Meanwhile, on set, Xiang Zhuo seemed to have just finished a phone call and couldn't suppress a smile. Taking advantage of Wu Chen's free time, he whispered the news in his ear.

Upon hearing this, Wu Chen couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Jiang Wen's cooperation was obvious, and the effect was also obvious.

A few days later, the bureau quietly announced that all projects related to Nanjing would be "put on hold" and the scripts would be reviewed one by one.
As for the film "Nanjing! Nanjing!" which caused quite a stir in the industry a few days ago, the bureau has also given a response: the film script has not yet been approved and is still under review.

This was a huge blow to Lu Xun's confidence.

Lu Xun was bewildered and rushed home to seek help:
"Dad, the bureau is going to tighten its review process. What should we do?"

After a long silence, Lu Tianming let out a cold snort, followed by a surge of anger:

"You still have the nerve to ask me? With your meager abilities, you dare to play the hype game? The script was already on a marginal subject, yet you insisted on making a big fuss about it, even mentioning 200 million. Who do you think you are?"

It was supposed to be a low-key affair. If he had just put in a little more effort, getting the script approved wouldn't have been too difficult. But now that this has happened, who knows how much more work it will take.

Lu Xun was speechless for a moment, and could only say dryly, "I just wanted to create some momentum in advance."

"I know what stupid things I've done."

Lu Tianming took a deep breath, suppressed his anger, reached for the landline on the table, and dialed a familiar number.

"Hello, it's me, um, Lao Lu."

You mean it wasn't Jiang Wen who spoke first, but Wu Chen?

He also has opinions on the Nanjing theme? When did this happen? Just a few days ago. Director Tong mentioned it personally. Okay, thanks.

Lu Tianming breathed a sigh of relief; someone had been trying to sabotage him.

Most importantly, this is done openly, and they can't do anything about it, given the sensitivity of the subject matter.

"I knew it! That bastard Wu Chen must have gotten involved. He just can't stand to see me doing better than him."

Lu Xun was seething with hatred. He stood there, his face showing a deep resentment and unwillingness, but he was at a loss for what to do.

"Heh!" Lu Tianming glanced at him. What gave you the courage to say that? You're even better than Wu Chen? What makes you better?

"You should talk to Han Sanping and Qin Hong again, as well as your teacher, and have them speak to the school on your behalf. They need to make Wu Chen behave himself; he can't always act so recklessly."

Lu Xun was particularly proactive in this regard, and after a while, he was the first to call Jiang Shixiong, his tone filled with grievance:
"Teacher, Wu Chen from the photography department has really gone too far this time."

The worst thing we filmmakers can do when disagreements are fueled by emotions, and even worse, we can't let them escalate. He took advantage of his status as a big director and even interfered with the script review process at the bureau.
I made "Nanjing! Nanjing!" to tell historical facts, never because of my personal feelings. But he, along with Jiang Wen, went to the police station to try and sabotage me, showing no regard for our friendship as classmates.”

Han Sanping, upon hearing Gao Chengsheng's report, didn't even lift his eyelids.

"Tell him to figure it out himself. What, is China Film Group the babysitter for his movies? Does it have to help him with every little thing?"

Han Sanping responded without saying a word.

Upon hearing this, Gao Chengsheng immediately nodded: "Okay, President Han, I'll communicate with Director Lu right away."

Just as he was about to turn around, he suddenly remembered something and quickly said:

"President Han, I heard this morning that Director Lu went to see Chairman Qin of Xingmei, it must be about this matter."

"It's alright, Qin Hong, I'll handle the communication."

(End of this chapter)