Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 238 You'll Lose Money

Before the group had even reached an agreement, news circulated in the industry that Shanghai Film Group, Ningbo Film Group, and China Film Group had all gone to Xingchen Film Studio together.

Some film companies were deeply distressed upon learning of this.

The main problem is that I couldn't even take a bite of the cake that was on display.

However, some talent agencies and actors have their eyes on this big-budget production.

Although it is unknown whether Wu Chen will direct, this is clearly an excellent opportunity.

Many people were eyeing this film, and they were very efficient. Before Han Sanping even left Xingchen Pictures, he received a call from Ying Huang.

"Hey, Mr. Yang." Han Sanping's voice wasn't loud, but everyone heard him clearly.

"That Yang from Yinghuang?" Wu Chen asked Ren Zhonglun, turning to the side.

"It seems so. China Film Group was planning a collaboration with Yinghuang to create a talent agency, right? That's probably it. Someone must be eyeing this film."

Ren Zhonglun immediately guessed that, based on his many years of experience, this was almost certainly true.

"Oh? I remember that Shanghai Film Group also partnered with Yinghuang to set up a talent agency. It's been almost a year now. How's it going?" Wu Chen wasn't surprised and even guessed who it was.

After all, rumors have been circulating that Yinghuang is offering 100 million yuan to invite Zhao Wei to be their top female star. Who else could be calling at this time?

"Not very good, just barely passable," Ren Zhonglun shook his head. "However, they care a lot about the mainland market, which is a bit different from other Hong Kong film companies; they're very proactive in aligning themselves with the mainland."

Wu Chen certainly understood what Ren Zhonglun meant.

As expected, after finishing his call, Han Sanping asked Wu Chen, "Ying Huang asked me to inquire with you whether Zhao Wei, the female lead in 'Painted Skin,' has any chance of getting a role. They're willing to invest extra money in her."

Yang Hongtao sat to the side, feeling deeply moved.

That's the power of a big-name director; even if they don't direct, people still rush to send them money.

"She's not suitable, let's forget about her."

Wu Chen said it casually, and none of them objected. Han Sanping also nodded slightly.

They wouldn't pay much attention to issues related to roles anyway, especially since this is a project led by Wu Chen.

"By the way, Chairman Han, Chairman Ren, Factory Director Yang, are there any special effects companies in the industry that are currently experiencing operational difficulties or need investment?"

Ren Zhonglun and Han Sanping were somewhat surprised to hear Wu Chen's words.

"Is Xingchen going into special effects?"

"Having this idea in mind, it's always better to ask less of others. Movies like 'Painted Skin' will likely become more common in the future."

"That's true. In recent years, the requirements for special effects in domestic films have been getting higher and higher. For example, the special effects costs for 'Red Cliff' accounted for a significant portion of the total budget."

Han Sanping had originally planned to give an example, but when he mentioned "Red Cliff," his expression changed slightly.

The script for "Red Cliff" is still undecided, and the casting is even more unpredictable. One actor leaves, another is unavailable. Filming is supposed to start in two months, but he has no idea what Wu Yusen is up to.

"Shanghai Film Studio should keep an eye out for that, and we'll spread the word for you while we're at it." Ren Zhonglun nodded. "There are more companies in Hong Kong that handle special effects."

"Thank you for your help, senior executives."

"Why are you saying all this? You're too kind!"

"."

Yinghuang quickly received news of Wu Chen's refusal.

"Not suitable. How can there only be one sentence, 'not suitable'? That's strange."

Looking at the text message from Han Sanping, Ying Huangyang felt helpless. However, Han Sanping said that Wu Chen thought the role was unsuitable, so there was basically no room for negotiation given Han Sanping's position.

"That's all."

Ying Huangyang immediately relayed the message back to Zhao Wei, who frowned slightly: "Even the relationship between China Film Group and Ying Huangyang couldn't secure a role?"

Although her career hasn't been going well in recent years, with her popularity gradually being overshadowed by Fan Binbin and Zhou Xun, Ying Huang is there to help her, and Yang assured her that Ying Huang is willing to pay the price.

How could you only get the comment "inappropriate" in this situation?
At the very least, they'll give it a token try, then find an excuse to get rid of it.
Not long after the group left, news spread that the investment for "Painted Skin" had been fully secured, and some reporters even called to inquire, but none of the parties denied it.

This is now completely finalized.

Furthermore, rumors circulated at this time that Wu Chen was not the director of the "Painted Skin" project; Wu Chen was listed as the producer, and Lu Yang was the director.
For a moment, people in the industry were confused and started looking up information to find out who Lu Yang was.
"The director's name is Lu Yang?"

Which Yang?

"The yang of the sun".

"Never heard of it? Has it been the subject of any movies?"

"That's strange, the people I found aren't the right ones."

"No, it's a newcomer signed by Starry Night Pictures."

"A newcomer?!"

"Pure. A graduate student at the Beijing Film Academy, studying under Tian Zhuangzhuang, and not yet graduated."

Just as the industry was still wondering, someone finally confirmed the news.

Of all the information, only the fact that he studied under Tian Zhuangzhuang is somewhat memorable.

The industry fell silent for a moment, especially some directors.

"Are you crazy? Giving a film with an investment of fifty or sixty million to a graduate student director?"

"I've already filmed four TV series, and the ratings are pretty good, but no one has given me a chance to make movies yet."

"Holy crap, I've read that script. I don't know how it's been revised, but let alone a newcomer, I wouldn't dare take it. This level of content, this structure, can a newcomer handle it?"

"I don't know whether to say Wu Chen is generous or carefree. He gave this investment to a new director to manage. If it were me, I've at least made movies worth millions before."

"It's not impossible to understand, after all, Wu Chen is the producer."

"."

Many people are extremely envious.

Lu Yang has incredible luck; joining Starry Sky Pictures allows him to direct a big-budget production.

He has directed films with a production budget of over 50 million yuan, a feat that can be counted on one hand in mainland China today, making him a true overnight success.

The office of the directing department faculty at the Beijing Film Academy.

Outside the window, willow branches sprout new buds, the spring breeze makes the blinds sway gently, sunlight shines obliquely on the old solid wood bookcase, and a faint aroma of tea wafts in the air.

Several teachers huddled together, their expressions showing a rare hint of excitement.

Tian Zhuangzhuang is also confirming the news with Lu Yang by phone.

"Teacher, it is indeed me. It wasn't confirmed before, it was only just these past two days. I'm so grateful to Director Wu for giving me this opportunity."

"Well, since Wu Chen trusts you, just do your best on set. If you don't understand something, just ask on set. Don't pretend you know everything. The school can't provide you with such a good opportunity, so don't waste it!" Tian Zhuangzhuang hurriedly instructed.

"Good teacher."

"Ok!"

The phone hangs up.

Tian Zhuangzhuang put down his phone, his expression calmed down, and he slowly nodded: "It is him, confirmed."

The office was immediately filled with chuckles and exclamations.

"Wu Chen is really good; he knows to keep the good stuff for his own people."

"This is called giving back, but Wu Chen did it exceptionally well this time, no doubt about it. His vision and perspective are truly remarkable."

"I hope Lu Yang can seize this opportunity. The directing department hasn't produced any new talent in years, unlike the cinematography department."

The news that Wu Chen had appointed Lu Yang as director sparked heated discussions at the Beijing Film Academy, with the directing students being the most excited.

"Will I have a chance to sign with Wu Chen's company in the future? The benefits are amazing!"

"Damn it, it's like climbing to heaven to earn tens of thousands outside, but Senior Brother Lu Yang directly directed a movie worth tens of millions. I'm saying that I have to try my luck at Xingchen Pictures after I graduate!"

"."

In the performing arts department, Cui Xinqin and a few others were also discussing and expressing their feelings, but they also had some concerns.

"Wu Chen is really carefree. He gave the directorship of 'Painted Skin' to a newcomer from the directing department. I just don't know if Lu Yang has any 'bad habits'."

Upon hearing this, Wang Jinsong couldn't help but laugh.

He certainly knew what Cui Xinqin meant by "bad habits".

"They all come from the same place," one of the teachers complained.

"So, even though they're all from the same place, they don't want to hire their own people from the same place. Wu Chen did a better job than them in this regard."

"."

Compared to the high praise from the school, Lu Xun, who was in Nanjing, was quite upset when he heard the news, especially when he saw the overwhelming praise in the directing department group.

"hypocritical."

"A treacherous scheme!"

"Give tens of millions of dollars in investment to a newbie, and I'll see how you fail, you'll lose it all."

"."

Lu Xun kept cursing and swearing, but despite his words, he felt a chill in his heart. If Wu Chen continued like this, he wouldn't even be able to stay in the directing department.
At this moment, Wu Chen was driving to the China Film Group Huairou Base. Although it was not yet fully completed and the construction was scheduled to be completed in 08, the post-production work had already been running for a long time.

It includes the entire post-production chain, including a photography studio, special effects studio, dubbing studio, and mixing studio.
Zhang Huijun also called about Lu Yang's situation, expressing his relief and instructing Wu Chen not to sacrifice the quality of the film, emphasizing that the most important thing is to choose the right person for the role.
"Thank you, Principal Zhang. I understand. Senior Brother Lu Yang is actually quite suitable."

"Ah That's good!"

"."

(End of this chapter)