Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 407 The Way We Came From, a pseudo-full-film shot?
After the celebration banquet, media reports focused on Han Sanping's outlook on the future of Chinese cinema.

On the other hand, Ning Hao cleverly passed the box office baton of "going from 300 million to 400 million" to Wu Chen's "The Martian," which was released in April.

Although Wu Chen did not give any interviews on the spot, netizens were very excited and made many speculations.

After reaching 300 million, the box office curve of "Bad Genius" gradually slowed down, and with the Chinese New Year approaching, attention was diverted.

There is no Lunar New Year's Eve this year; the 21st is the 29th day of the 21st lunar month, and the 22nd is the first day of the Lunar New Year.
Many tasks are nearing completion.

The drama "Lurking" was submitted for inclusion in the "Ideological and Literary Project" program in 09, and the results won't be available until after the new year. However, Gao Chengsheng specifically informed him of this before the new year.

"Director Wu, there shouldn't be any problems with 'Lurking'. I heard it's of very high quality. Let's wait for good news at the beginning of the year."

"Okay, thanks, Brother Gao."

"Hey, it's nothing, no need to thank me," Gao Chengsheng replied cheerfully.

Wu Chen and his roommates were having hot pot in a private room at "Old Beijing Lamb Hot Pot" near the Beijing Film Academy.

With the start of winter break, the shop had fewer student customers, making it somewhat quiet, but it felt very familiar to the group, as they had frequented it during their four years of school.

After hanging up the phone, Wu Chen casually asked, "Tian Shu, which drama was finally chosen for CCTV's opening drama of the year?"

"Going West".

Park Song-il, who hadn't even swallowed the meat in his mouth, asked in confusion, "Wasn't it supposed to be 'The Right Path of the World is Full of Vicissitudes'? They already released an announcement, so why did they change it again?"

Chu Tianshu sighed, "The shows 'Taiwan 1895' and 'The Legend of Bruce Lee' that aired recently have a lot of negative news, so the station naturally has more concerns."

In addition, with director Zhang Li embroiled in a scandal with Song Jia, "The Road to Awakening" was cancelled. The standards for the opening drama of the year are too high.”

He then looked at Wu Chen and said, "By the way, Brother Chen, 'Lurking' should have passed the 'Ideological and Literary Project' review. I heard people at the station are discussing it, but it's still uncertain whether the station will ultimately purchase it."

"The plot and theme of 'Lurking' are fine. If it weren't for the fact that it's a spy drama and the filming was a bit late, I would have really wanted to give it a shot as the opening drama of the year on CCTV," Wu Chen said with a smile, after picking up a slice of mutton, dipping it in sauce, and putting it in his mouth.

Chu Tianshu smiled upon hearing this: "Oh, is that so? Then I'll go back to the station and give you a good shout-out."

"Damn it, can't you just level up already and make it a done deal?" Xiang Zhuo muttered.

"I want to too."

Wu Chen listened to their conversation, shook his head, and then looked at Park Song-il: "Song-il, learn more from the photography department teachers recently, and cram on your photography skills, especially the one-shot technique."

The three of them were taken aback and looked up at Wu Chen.

As photographers by training, they naturally understand what "one-shot" means.

This is one of the most challenging shooting methods in film cinematography, and its difficulty for photographers can be considered one of the pinnacle tests of photographic art.

"Brother Chen, are you starting a new film? A one-shot film? How long are you planning to shoot? That's too difficult. Even if I cram now, I'd have six months and still struggle to shoot a long one-shot film."

Park Song-il scratched his head.

Shooting in one continuous shot is the most severe test of talent.

Because a single take is not simply a "show of skill," but a comprehensive artistic test that mobilizes photography, art direction, lighting, editing, staging, and even performance.
This means that the cinematographer must understand the rhythm of the entire film, the director's intentions, and also possess a high degree of adaptability and aesthetic judgment.

"I'll take the lead, and you'll assist me. But I haven't decided yet whether to make the whole film a pseudo-one-shot or just half a film!"

Wu Chen hasn't made a complete decision about the movie yet; he just has a vague idea in mind.

In fact, after communicating with Ning Hao, he had a vague idea for this kind of filming, and even felt a strange desire and excitement for the challenges that might come.

Whether in the past or present, he essentially started with photography.

This is the road he came from.
Park Song-il breathed a sigh of relief. This thing really gave him trouble. A short, continuous take was fine, but he couldn't figure out a long one.
Upon hearing Wu Chen's earlier statement that the entire film was supposed to be a single take, Park Song-il couldn't help but widen his eyes. "Brother Chen, are you kidding me? The whole film is supposed to be a single take?"

Chu Tianshu and Xiang Zhuo couldn't help but gasp, their eyes wide with surprise.

It's important to know that in film history, there are very few films that are actually shot in one continuous take, regardless of whether they are genuine or not.

Historically, those who have been able to take this kind of photo are all master photographers or even figures of the highest caliber in film history.

Speaking of legends, the true one-shot is truly a miracle.

Russian Ark is the first truly uncut long-take film in cinematic history.

One take, 99 minutes long.

However, this one-shot technique is not user-friendly, has a weaker storyline, and is more like performance art.

Therefore, for photographers and directors, the pseudo-one-shot is the most ideal form for overall effect;
Creating an immersive experience and technical aesthetics without sacrificing the plot and pacing requires extremely high levels of skill and talent from the cinematographer, as well as a supporting script.
"Hey, Chen-ge, if the photography department teachers heard this, they'd probably skip class and send everyone to help you out."

Xiang Zhuo said it in a slightly exaggerated way.

Wu Chen shook his head and smiled: "Alright, it's good that you know. Don't spread rumors. I haven't completely thought it through yet."

"Hehe, got it."

"."

The Lunar New Year is fast approaching.

Nolan called again, urging Liu Yifei to come and sign the contract as soon as possible. Wu Chen agreed and planned to go with Liu Yifei after the New Year.

"Hehe, please say hello to my uncle and aunt for me. We can celebrate the New Year together next year. This year, Mom said she has to go back to Jiangcheng first to tell Grandma and the others."

Liu Yifei stopped the car, turned her head, and lightly touched Wu Chen's left cheek. Seeing only a faint red mark, she couldn't help but laugh. She wiped it with her hand and said, "Okay, it's clean now. Go on, don't miss your flight!"

Seeing this, Wu Chen couldn't help but gently pinch Liu Yifei's hump nose, then opened the car door and waved.

With the Year of the Ox just around the corner, the Oscar nominations have just been announced.

On the morning of the 29th day of the lunar year, which was New Year's Eve this year, Wu Chen was woken up early by his cell phone ringing.

"Was that Xixi on the phone?" Yuan Xiaoqin couldn't help but ask.

Wu Chen picked up his phone, glanced at the number, and shook his head. "No."

Yuan Xiaoqin muttered to herself, "Who is it calling at this hour? Is it work? Don't they want people to have a proper New Year's celebration?"

Wu Chen chuckled softly, answered the phone, and a fluent English voice came from the other end:

"Wu, this is the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. I am Bill Condon, the executive producer of this year's Academy Awards. It is an honor to invite you to be a presenter at the 81st Academy Awards."

As is the tradition of the Academy, the winner of the previous Academy Award for Best Director will present the award to the winner of the new Academy Award for Best Director. We look forward to your attendance.

Of course, if you are unable to attend, please inform us in advance.

Wu Chen paused, not surprised by the invitation, and after a moment's thought, nodded:
"I understand, thank you for the invitation."

The person on the other end of the phone continued, "The invitation letter has been sent via international express and is expected to arrive soon. Please notify us as soon as you confirm receipt so we can arrange your itinerary and accommodation."

"Thanks."

(End of this chapter)