Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 242 Business Expansion: With the two of us here, we've got the business going!

"Zhou Xun?"

Upon hearing this, everyone's mind flashed with his image.

Chest? Flat.

Butt? Not perky!
A height of less than 1.6 meters?
For a time, no one could match her with the traditional image of a fox spirit.

"When selecting actors, focus on their spirit; physique is secondary. Some people can achieve a 100-point performance with only a 70-point physique and appearance."

Wu Chen appeared to be explaining his reasons, but in reality, he was telling Lu Yang how to select people.

Although the group did not yet know the effect, since Wu Chen had suggested it, they had to give it a try, and so they added Zhou Xun to the list of fox demon candidates.

"It seems Zhou Xun hasn't been delivered."

"Let me tell her."

Wu Chen nodded. Zhou Xun is the soul of "Painted Skin". Wang Sheng and Pei Rong are easy to choose, but the role of Xiao Wei is quite difficult.

The quality of the film depends on how well the actor portrays the character.

The group was still discussing the casting choices.

As Wu Chen was leaving, he noticed Shu Chang's name on the shortlist of candidates for the role of Xia Bing and couldn't help but smile.

Shu Chang surprisingly didn't mention that she had voted for the role.

Back in his office, Wu Chen casually called Zhou Xun.

"Director Wu." Zhou Xun was overjoyed; this was the first time she had received a call from Wu Chen since they exchanged contact information.

Although she never lost contact with the other party, she would send a message whenever she wanted to congratulate them.

"Zhou Xun, are you available?"

Schedule?

Without even thinking, Zhou Xun replied directly, "Director Wu, yes."

When Wu Chen asked about her availability, she had to say yes even if she didn't have it. This kind of opportunity is something people in the industry would kill for.

"Director Wu, what kind of movie is it?"

Zhou Xun asked excitedly, already imagining Wu Chen's invitation to his international drama.

“The female lead in ‘Painted Skin,’ the Nine-Tailed Fox.” Wu Chen smiled.

"Fox demon?"

Zhou Xun was stunned for a moment, looked down and saw her toes, and felt a little embarrassed.

She knew about the distribution information released by "Painted Skin".

Although the main role was vaguely described, she managed to glean some information through her agency, which is why she felt it wasn't a particularly suitable fit and therefore didn't cast herself.

"Director Wu, you're not kidding, are you? I can play a fox demon?"

“The fox demon in ‘Painted Skin’ is different. How about you audition? I think you’re quite suitable,” Wu Chen said with a smile.

"Alright, I trust Director Wu's judgment. I'll prepare properly!"

Zhou Xun said without hesitation.

Anyway, failing the audition won't affect anything; the real benefit is getting in touch with Wu Chen.

Such a big director invited her to audition; most people wouldn't have had this opportunity.

After hanging up the phone, Zhou Xun walked forward and was met by Li Binbin. The two smiled at each other and nodded politely, but both could see the perfunctory look in each other's eyes.

Li Binbin was the most furious because the people who were in the way had all left, but unexpectedly Zhou Xun came and tried to take her place as the top female star.

Fortunately, she has already secured the role of the White-Haired Witch in "The Forbidden Kingdom," so Zhou Xun probably can't compete with her for it.

"Sister Xun." Huang Xiaoming hurriedly passed by, still preparing for his new solo album.

Zhou Xun suddenly remembered something and called out to Huang Xiaoming, "Xiaoming!"

"What's wrong, Sister Xun?" Huang Xiaoming asked, puzzled.

"It's nothing, I just wanted to ask if you've submitted 'Painted Skin' yet?"

"I invested. I invested as soon as Xingchen Pictures released the news, but I haven't heard anything back yet." Huang Xiaoming shrugged and asked, "Sister Xun, did you invest too? Which female lead, the dignified one?"

Zhou Xun's lips twitched slightly. "I guess I'll just accept it!"

"Counts?" Huang Xiaoming was puzzled, but he didn't ask any further questions. He needed to finish his vocal lessons with his professional teacher as soon as possible.

"."

Meanwhile, Starry Night Pictures.

Sunlight streamed in obliquely through the blinds, landing on the floor-standing coffee table.

However, Wu Chen looked at Zhong Lifang knocking on the door with a surprised expression.

"Director Wu, am I disturbing you?"

"Not at all, Mr. Zhong, please have a seat."

Wu Chen didn't immediately realize what Zhong Lifang wanted to do there. However, since they were neighbors now, and Xiao Ma Benteng was just one floor above Xingchen Film Studio, they had met quite a few times. Although their personal relationship wasn't very deep, they still had to be polite.

After a few polite greetings, Wu Chen skillfully brewed a pot of Pu'er tea, and the refreshing aroma of the tea filled the office.

The two chatted for a while about their recent situations, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed.

Zhong Lifang gently put down her teacup and finally got straight to the point.

"Director Wu, I heard you're planning to enter the special effects industry recently?"

"It's not really an expansion, it's just a plan to provide support for Starry Sky Pictures."

Wu Chen smiled. Although the special effects hadn't reached their peak yet, this was the only time to enter the market and pick up the best stuff. Otherwise, once the industry was saturated, acquisitions would be too expensive.

"What, does Mr. Zhong know someone?"

“Yes, there is some connection,” Zhong Lifang said slowly. “Director Wu, have you heard of the ‘Wan Kuan Special Effects’ from Hong Kong?”

Wu Chen frowned slightly, quickly searching his memory, and asked with a hint of doubt, "Is it the same company that did the special effects for 'Huo Yuanjia'? I remember they also did some special effects subcontracting for 'The Legend of Zu'?"

“Yes, that’s it.” Zhong Lifang smiled slightly. “It was founded by the Huang brothers. I met one of the younger brothers when I was studying in England. At that time, they were also doing rendering work in Europe.” “I remember the Huang brothers weren’t particularly short of money, were they?” Wu Chen asked thoughtfully.

He didn't want to acquire shares; he preferred to make acquisitions or become a controlling shareholder.

Zhong Lifang gently shook her head: "The parent company itself is not lacking, but their expansion in the mainland in recent years has indeed been unsuccessful."

In 2001, a branch was set up in Foshan, and last year a subsidiary was opened in Suzhou. Originally, they wanted to take on orders from the mainland, but the business was not doing well.

The Huang brothers now have two ideas. The first is to hope that someone will inject capital and expand their business sources. Of course, they also have the idea of ​​selling off their two burdensome businesses in mainland China.

Upon hearing Zhong Lifang's explanation, Wu Chen nodded slowly.

He wasn't interested in investing, but buying them as a package deal also presented a problem, because he didn't have a parent company like Wan Kuan. He would have to grow these two little things step by step himself, which would be too troublesome.

"Okay, I'll think about it some more." Wu Chen didn't give a definitive answer.

Zhong Lifang smiled, took a sip of tea, and then subtly changed the subject.

"By the way, Director Wu, I heard that Starry Night Pictures has always focused on film development. Have you ever thought about expanding in other directions?"

Wu Chen paused for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly.

He knew that this might be what Zhong Lifang wanted to say.

Special effects are probably just a stepping stone.

"The company has only been running for a short time and hasn't had time to focus on everything yet, but we're sure to expand our business. Mr. Zhong, do you have any suggestions?"

Wu Chen asked with a smile, indicating that he did not object to good suggestions.

"Director Wu also knows that Xiaoma Benteng originally started out making TV dramas and has accumulated certain resources in the field of TV dramas."

Wu Chen did not respond immediately, but listened quietly.

"So I was thinking, if you don't mind, our two companies could consider collaborating on television dramas."

“Sounds good.” Wu Chen raised an eyebrow. “What will Starry Night Pictures have to give in return?”

No collaboration is without reason; every collaboration begins with a cause.

"Xiao Ma Benteng also has the ambition to enter the film industry, but unfortunately we have never established a presence in the film industry. We lack resources in production, distribution, and theaters. Chairman Li is worried that entering the market rashly is too risky, so my idea is to hope that Director Wu can provide guidance."

Zhong Lifang's words showed sincerity while also saving face for others.

Wu Chen calmly put down his teacup, a hint of inquiry in his eyes.

The TV drama industry is about to explode, and he himself is thinking about how to enter the TV drama field. He doesn't particularly want to get involved in the entire production process, but he has ideas about investment and the TV drama copyrights behind it. From this perspective, cooperation is a good idea.

And Little Horse Galloping is indeed capable, it's just a pity.
After thinking for a long time, Wu Chen said, "Okay!"

A hint of joy flashed in Zhong Lifang's eyes. If she could establish a connection with Wu Chen, then Xiaoma Benteng wouldn't have to struggle so much in the film industry and would have to proceed cautiously.

The reason Li Ming has never dared to enter this industry is because it's far more complex than anything depicted in TV dramas.

"It's a pleasure to cooperate with you!" Wu Chen smiled and shook hands with Zhong Lifang.

"Director Wu, it's a pleasure working with you!" Zhong Lifang said excitedly.

That evening, even the employees of both companies went out for dinner together. The next day, when people in the industry heard the news, they were all a bit stunned.

"Is Wu Chen planning to get involved in both movies and television?"

"You should have said so earlier! If Starry Sky Pictures had this idea, they should have approached us for cooperation."

"Damn, someone else got the advantage of being close to the source. What advantage does Bengt Holm have? It's just because it's neighbors with Starry Night Pictures. Unbelievable."

"."

Many TV drama producers in the industry are kicking themselves.

They also wanted to get involved in film, but this great opportunity was snatched away by Little Horse Galloping.

In fact, many TV series producers have tried to make movies, but very few have succeeded.

At this moment, Tang Ren and Cai Yinong also felt that they had acted too slowly when they saw the news.

"Tangren cannot keep making TV dramas and movies forever."

Wu Chen is also receiving a barrage of phone calls.

"Why do you want to make a TV series?" Liu Yifei asked with a puzzled look.

"Xiao Ma Benteng approached us yesterday, and I felt it represented a new direction for the company's expansion, so I agreed."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yifei volunteered, "Do you want me to help you? I'm really good at filming TV dramas."

"Didn't you say you weren't going to make TV dramas anymore? It's not worth it. Xingchen mainly just invests; they won't be involved in the actual production. They can't spare the energy for it."

"Okay, just let me know if you need it. I have two popular actors here who are killing it all on TV."

"Who else but you?" Wu Chen couldn't help but chuckle.

"With me and Changchang, as long as the drama isn't age-inappropriate, it's guaranteed to be a hit, okay?"

Wu Chen felt a warmth in his heart. "Okay, I'll remember that."

"Yes, don't forget."

After hanging up the phone, Liu Yifei smiled and asked Shu Chang, "Did you hear what I just said?"

"Sister, please, I never said I would help you!"

"We're sisters for life, my business is your business, how can you bear not to help?" Liu Yifei cried and pleaded, making Shu Chang's skin crawl.

"I know, I know, get away now. Do you know the power of your coquettishness? I can't resist it."

"Hehe, no way."

Just as the two were laughing and joking, Mu Deyuan called.

"Do you need our help? Your senior brother Liang Ming and his colleagues have resources in the TV drama industry, and they can judge the quality of some scripts to some extent."

"Teacher, don't worry, I'll let you know if I need anything. My current collaboration with Xiaoma Benteng is mainly focused on investment."

"Um"

(End of this chapter)