Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 236 Painted Skin, Shanghai Film Studio

Inside the dark gray office building on the southern section of the West Second Ring Road of the General Administration, the elevator doors opened with a "ding".

In March, the spring chill still lingered in Beijing, but the tea room in the corridor was always bustling with activity. The deputy directors and their assistants, each with a different expression, were chatting casually, folders in their hands.

"Starry Night Pictures' new script has been submitted for filing and review," someone said, putting down their water glass and lowering their voice.

“Painted Skin, right? Ancient costume, thriller, fantasy.” Another person flipped through the review sheet in their hand.

"Director Tong's message is very clear: unless it's a special subject matter, try to go through the process quickly and simply. Do you think they'll still be dragging things out with you after winning an Oscar?"

The other person chuckled, their expression a mix of teasing and wistfulness, "Now, who would dare to block Wu Chen's projects? I'm afraid it wouldn't just be him."

"So, do you think the 'Painted Skin' project is considered sensitive?"

One of them adjusted his glasses and replied with a slightly meaningful tone, "Strictly speaking, based on the original work, it definitely can't be filmed. But didn't he just change all the 'ghosts' into 'demons'?"

"Okay, got it. Just let him pass."

As soon as he said this, the people around him laughed, which had a tacit understanding between them.

"Wu Chen's is fine, the biggest problem is that someone's already passing on messages for Lu Xun's version of 'Nanjing! Nanjing!'. I'm done with it, I can't control it anymore. Why are there so many people passing on messages every day?"

"Really annoying!"

"."

There was a moment of silence, and someone shook their head slightly.

Meanwhile, the outside world had already sensed the shift in the wind.

Although the news of the script of "Painted Skin" being filed for review has not yet been officially announced, industry insiders are always one step ahead of paper documents.

The news that another project by Starry Night Pictures has entered the filing process has instantly caused a huge stir, like a blunt needle entering water.

What's frustrating for the industry is that Starry Night Pictures is either unreachable, or when contacted, the response is the same as last time.

Ning Ying, on the other hand, refused to say a word.

"No chance, they're all just playing games." Wang Zhongjun shook his head as he listened to Wang Zhonglei's description. "By the way, did you find out who got on the bus?"

"No, it's very mysterious. After asking around, the replies we got were similar to ours, so it's probably still China Film Group."

"Han Sanping's appetite is too big!"

Wang Zhongjun sighed. The other party was going to be promoted in a few days, which was the most infuriating thing.

At the same time, Han Sanping also received a call from Yu Dong.

"Old boss, Xingchen's 'Painted Skin'."

"What did you say to Wu Chen when you called him?" Han Sanping raised his eyelids slightly. If given the chance, he wouldn't mind helping his subordinate out. After talking with Wu Chen last time, the chances of China Film Group being on the safe side were pretty good.

"Director Wu still says that Ning Ying has the right to make suggestions, but..." Yu Dong smiled bitterly and didn't continue. Anyone with eyes could see that this was just an excuse.

Given Wu Chen's current status, Ning Ying has absolutely no right to make suggestions. Wu Chen's word is law, and it's already quite good that Ning Ying even got involved.

This excuse was quite a generous gesture.

"In that case, let's just forget about it and wait for another chance."

Han Sanping pondered for a moment. Since Wu Chen had already said so, it meant he knew what was going on, so he decided not to say anything more.

Seeing that Han Sanping had said so, Yu Dong had no choice but to give up.

Meanwhile, Pang Hong was already in the office of Xingchen Pictures, looking at the completed script, holding it in his hands with great excitement.

This is Ning Ying's last hope.

"Director Wu, let me take a look first," Pang Hong said cheerfully, and then buried his head in looking at the differences between this version and the one he had seen first.

Looking at this vivid and detailed script, Pang Hong became more and more excited.

"Director Wu, when do we start?"

"Don't rush, Producer Pang, let me introduce you first. This is Lu Yang, the director of 'Painted Skin'!" Wu Chen smiled and let Lu Yang and Pang Hong formally greet each other.

Lu Yang had been with Pang Hong since the early stages of the scriptwriting process and had met him before, but Pang Hong was still somewhat confused at this moment.

"Director Lu."

Pang Hong was still trying to recall Lu Yang's representative works, but after searching his mental database, he still came to a blank. "Producer Pang, no need to think about it anymore. Director Lu is a graduate student at the Beijing Film Academy, studying under director Tian Zhuangzhuang."

"Director Lu, disrespectful!"

Upon hearing this, Pang Hong quickly shook hands with Lu Yang.

Although he wasn't familiar with Luyang, he knew about Tianzhuangzhuang.

Moreover, he knew that Wu Chen would be the producer, so he had to relax and at least not deny Wu Chen's ideas. After all, since Ning Ying had chosen to take the gamble, he had to stand on the side of support.

Moreover, Starry Night Pictures will obviously take the lion's share of this film, and he doesn't believe that Wu Chen's tens of millions of dollars will go down the drain.

Wu Chen was also somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected Pang Hong to not ask a single question. His courage was truly extraordinary. No wonder Pang Hong and Yang Hongtao were able to lead Ningying Factory to a new life in dire straits.

"Producer Pang, don't worry. I've tested Director Lu Yang's abilities; he's capable of directing this film."

Although Pang Hong didn't ask, Wu Chen still added a comment, and Lu Yang, who was standing next to him, immediately showed excitement.

"I trust Director Wu's judgment, and I also trust Director Lu. Let's not dwell on these matters. Ning Ying will do her best to cooperate with whatever you need."

Pang Hong also stated directly that he would at least try to make a good impression first.

Lu Yang quickly stood up to express his gratitude.

"This movie must have cost at least fifty or sixty million yuan to make, right?" Pang Hong then asked.

"I estimate around 60 million," Wu Chen had just finished speaking when his phone rang. The caller was Ren Zhonglun from Shanghai Film Studio.

"The people we're working with have arrived," Wu Chen said with a shrug and a smile to the two men, then stood up and answered the phone.

Ren Zhonglun wasn't in a hurry and began to exchange pleasantries:

"Director Wu, why haven't you come to Shanghai lately? I've been wanting to find a chance to celebrate your Oscar win, but you just won't give me the opportunity!"

"Haha, let's not talk about that for now. Is Mr. Ren coming to Beijing these days?"

"what?"

Ren Zhonglun paused noticeably, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Hey, we're all always busy, flying here and there for talks all the time. And these days there are more meetings in the bureau."

After saying that, Ren Zhonglun still felt he needed to clarify: "Director Wu, is the budget for 'Painted Skin' fully funded? I've always wanted to collaborate with you."

"I originally wanted to talk to Ren Zhengfei privately. There's still some investment left for 'Painted Skin,' but I don't plan to direct it."

“A new director.” Ren Zhonglun frowned slightly, but he had already made a quick decision in his mind. “What does it matter if he’s a newcomer? Everyone starts as a newcomer.”

I trust Director Wu's judgment. I'll definitely invest in "Painted Skin" for the film industry, no matter the amount. There's a meeting at the bureau tomorrow, shall we meet there to discuss it?

Wu Chen hadn't expected Shanghai Film Group to be in such a hurry, but since he was already here, he might as well bring China Film Group along to finish the discussion.

"Okay, let's arrange it for tomorrow then. I'll message you later."

After hanging up the phone, Wu Chen immediately called Han Sanping. Although it was a bit urgent, Han Sanping even called Gao Chengsheng to ask if there were any urgent arrangements for tomorrow. After learning that there were two meetings, he immediately postponed the existing meetings.

Pang Hong opened his mouth slightly. He had spent months trying to secure investment for Ningying Film Studio, but Wu Chen had done it in just a few minutes, and the two people who came were both big shots from state-owned enterprises.

That evening, Pang Hong was still discussing the matter with Yang Hongtao after he returned home.

“We’ve hooked up with a big shot,” Yang Hongtao exclaimed. “You’re saying the script has changed the location to the ethereal western desert, and you’re planning to film here?”
"Then we must do a good job in logistics; at least in this aspect, Ningbo Film Studio cannot lag behind others."

"Yes, I'll make plans for that. The desert climate is harsh, with huge temperature differences between day and night. I reckon Director Wu and the others won't be used to it."

Pang Hong and Yang Hongtao are already discussing the rest of the filming process.

After all, they can't help much in other areas, so they should at least play a role locally and not be underestimated.

Meanwhile, Ren Zhonglun looked at the message sent by Wu Chen. In addition to Xingchen, Ningying, and Shanghai Film Studio, there was another familiar name in it, and he couldn't help but feel a little helpless.

"This is Han Sanping."

Ren Zhonglun pursed his lips, already picturing the scene of arguing with the other party tomorrow in his mind.

Ningying's investment is finalized, and Xingchen's investment certainly can't be compromised either. That leaves Shanghai Film Group, which is the only one they can bully.
Although I hate to admit it, China Film Group Corporation (CFGC) controls certain special approval processes and has the upper hand over Shanghai Film Group Corporation (Shanghai Film Group Corporation) in every way. In particular, Han Sanping is quite unreasonable to some extent.

"bother"

(End of this chapter)