Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 363 Wu Chen, you lack vision in this regard; Advisor
Nolan hadn't arrived yet, but Han Sanping called first.

Wu Chen was already used to this.

"Chairman Han, it's not as complicated as people are saying. Director Nolan came here mainly because he has a new script to discuss. However, his film projects are all deeply tied to Warner Bros., and other companies probably won't be able to get involved without a specific reason."

"That's true!" Han Sanping sighed upon hearing this.

Nolan is Warner Bros.' "crown director," so how could China Film Group be allowed to interfere in his projects, unless Wu Chen takes the lead, which is obviously impossible.

Nolan's projects are all produced by his own company, Synopy.

Wu Chen might have a chance to get involved in this, but it's unlikely that anyone else will.

Having figured this out, Han Sanping stopped dwelling on it and changed the subject, talking about a recent project presented by the CPPCC as a gift:
"These days I went to the bureau for a meeting, and your film 'The Martian' has been designated as a project to be presented as a tribute. It is hailed as a 'space answer sheet' for Chinese films."
Now the leaders of the CPPCC have approached me about a project to commemorate the founding of a nation, titled "The Founding of a Republic." The bureau has suggested that I personally serve as the director.

"This is a good job," Wu Chen said with a smile.

"Although it's a good job, you know I haven't directed a film in eighteen years. I used to make a lot of patriotic films, but none of them made money."

In today's market, I can't possibly produce a tribute project that fails at the box office and makes me lose face, can I?

Han Sanping seemed somewhat troubled. How should this project be handled? It needed to be well-made and authentic, yet also appealing to the audience. Otherwise, how could he present such a great gift?

This is the most important patriotic film assignment he has received since becoming chairman of China Film Group.

"Think about it, is there a way to succeed?"

“Hmm,” Wu Chen hesitated for a moment, “Chairman Han, there’s only one way to make this kind of project successful: we need to learn from the ideas in the WWII epic film ‘The Longest Day’.”

We'll field an all-star cast, even if each star only has one line, to create an unprecedented lineup.

“That makes sense!” Han Sanping was taken aback upon hearing this and immediately stood up from his chair.

The Martian had an all-star cast, and just the five cameos alone were enough to make it a box office hit. If he were to make an all-star cast version of The Founding of a Republic, this would be a huge success.
It can only be said that no one before him could do this; only Han Sanping could accomplish it.

Thinking of this, Han Sanping grinned.

"Chairman Han, let's talk about the pay." Before Wu Chen could finish speaking, Han Sanping had already chimed in.

"Wu Chen, you're lacking in perspective. In this world, it's common for children to celebrate their mother's birthday with gifts. Who asks their mother to pay them for their work? Don't you think so?"

Wu Chen chuckled: "That makes sense!"

Having made up his mind, Han Sanping hurriedly hung up the phone and immediately contacted his old classmate and former class monitor, Huang Jianxin.

The two were classmates in the 83 directing training class at Beijing Film Academy, and were also roommates and close friends.

As the chairman of China Film Group, he couldn't possibly be away from his post for several months to direct a film, and Huang Jianxin, who had just resigned as the general manager of the Fourth Production Company of China Film Group, was the best partner for him.

Besides, I trust Huang Jianxin's ability to direct patriotic films.

As soon as the call connected, Han Sanping excitedly said:
"Hey, I've got an idea for what I told you about last time. Wu Chen gave me a hint, and I think it has potential. Think about it."

"Wu Chen's idea, an all-star lineup, is indeed feasible. You know, young people really do have sharp minds." Huang Xinjian nodded upon hearing this. "But there's a problem. Given the current market conditions, how much would it cost to hire so many people? Can we afford it?"

"Why do you have to spend money? I'll invite someone to act in it for free first, to set a good example and set a good example."

"You're still the same as before, not changed at all, stingy and miserly. It's a shame you became the chairman of China Film Group," Huang Xinjian said with a laugh.

"Do you know how hard it was for me to be your branch secretary back then? It's not that I was stingy, but do you think being a squad leader was so easy? Like making a movie? Enough nonsense, come here and let's discuss the details."

Han Sanping was not annoyed and began to recount his past achievements.

Chaidan Town, the set of "The Martian".

In the bright afternoon light, under the blue sky, the red sand dunes undulate and stretch, and the Mars rovers, habitats, solar arrays and other props on the ground are lined up, creating a strong sense of science fiction and realism.

Christopher Nolan walked slowly into the set with his assistant, and a hint of amazement flashed in his eyes as he looked at the exquisite and meticulous set and props.

Seeing Wu Chen approach, Nolan said apologetically, "I hope I haven't disturbed your filming schedule."

"It's okay, but you may have to wait a moment, I have another scene to film."

"Of course, you go ahead with your work."

Wu Chen turned and gave instructions to the production assistants who were handling Nolan's needs, then returned to filming. The staff looked on in bewilderment.

"That's strange. Christopher Nolan actually came to visit the set. Did he come all this way just for the occasion?"

"Something's probably up. Didn't you see the rumors? There might be a big collaboration!"

"Wow, I never thought that the film crew I joined would one day be visited by Christopher Nolan. It feels so unreal."

"Nonsense, look at what kind of film crew you've joined. It's Director Wu's crew, so it wouldn't be surprising to see anyone."

"Too!"

"."

Nolan and his assistant looked around, marveling at the realism and professionalism of the various props on set: the sophisticated aerospace equipment, the lifelike Martian landscape, and the vivid scientific research facilities, all exuding a meticulous and realistic texture.

Nolan couldn't help but mutter to himself, "The texture is amazing."

The assistant asked, puzzled, "Why do you say that?"

Nolan pondered for a moment, then slowly responded:

"Only real sets and props can give a film a unique vitality and texture. Although the audience may not understand professional aerospace technology, they will definitely feel the authenticity and sincerity in the film."

The assistant nodded as if he understood.

As filming wrapped up for the day, the sun was gradually setting.

Inside the tent on set, the lights were warm. Wu Chen and Nolan sat facing each other, with the complex dream hierarchy diagram in front of them, and began an in-depth discussion.

Inside the tent, the thoughts of the two top directors collided and intertwined like a storm:

"Wu, how did you calculate the time ratio between the different layers of this dream?"

"Christopher, the proportion of time is essentially an extension of emotional tension. By using linear narrative with a non-linear hierarchical structure, you can enhance the audience's immersion while maintaining logic."

"So, the key point is how the 'kick-away' mechanism can precisely control the narrative pace?"

"Yes, 'kicking awake' is essentially an emotional moment in time. By accurately grasping it, you can create dramatic conflict that is both reasonable and shocking at each level of the dream."

Nolan nodded repeatedly: "Incredible Wu, your understanding of structure and logic is even more detailed than mine."

The next day, Nolan stayed on set again, and the two discussed the hierarchy diagrams. At a crucial moment, Wu Chen even drew some sketches.

"I think this is how it should be done." Wu Chen handed it over, explaining some of the difficult points in detail.

"Perfect!" Nolan couldn't help but exclaim as he looked at Wu Chen's sketch.

"Wu, I'd like to invite you to be a consultant for my film. I even hope your name can be credited as a screenwriter."

"Christopher, I'm afraid I don't have that much time."

"No, you've already saved me too much time. The advisor role won't take up too much of your energy. We'll pay you the corresponding compensation, and I can also try to secure a nominee investor position for you. Although the share isn't large, I'd like to express my gratitude."

These structures are so beautiful; they're sure to shine in the movie.

Christopher Nolan quickly said.

He didn't know if Wu Chen would approve, since the share of a nominal investor was indeed small, and if the box office didn't make much money, it wouldn't amount to much.

Wu Chen earns a considerable amount of money from each film he makes in Hollywood.

"If there's not too much to do, I can participate."

Nolan immediately smiled and extended his hand: "Then it's settled."

By the way, after you finish filming *The Martian*, do you have time to come to Los Angeles? We can discuss the details of the script. You know, taking a script out with you is too risky.”

Wu Chen smiled and nodded slightly.

Nolan is known in the industry as a script-keeping maniac, employing measures such as read-only rooms, designated script readings for actors, signing confidentiality agreements, segmented scripts, obfuscating scene codes, prohibiting emails, and allowing only faxes.
Many directors in the industry only use one or two of these techniques, while Nolan uses them all.
(End of this chapter)