Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 447 Keep Your Position
Liu Yifei's quick thinking really made Beijing Film Academy proud.

Sunlight streamed through the tree-lined paths between the teaching buildings, illuminating the familiar, weathered wooden door of the Performance Department at the Beijing Film Academy.

In the acting department teachers' office, everyone repeatedly looked at the report, chuckling knowingly.

"As expected, one is influenced by one's company. After following Wu Chen, Yifei's words and expressions have changed."

"This girl has been well-behaved and sensible since she entered school, and now she's become even more composed."

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Hearing everyone praising it, Wang Jinsong couldn't hide his satisfaction: "That's good enough!"

“I’ll definitely talk about this in class today.” Cui Xinqin gently closed the folder, her face full of confidence.

In the past, we could only envy the Central Academy of Drama, but now that it's our turn, we have to say a few more words.

“Even if you don’t say it, I have to say it. The Class of 07 will be entering their junior year in the second half of the year. We need to put some pressure on them.” Lin Jidong shook his lesson preparation notes and got up to prepare for class.

Nine o'clock in the morning, classroom 302 on the third floor of the Performing Arts Building.

Lin Jidong was already speaking eloquently in class:
"You'll be juniors this fall, and seniors next fall. You should learn from your senior, Liu Yifei; there are still plenty of opportunities."

"We want to learn too, but how can we learn? There's simply no chance, isn't that right, Tiantian?"

Kan Qingzi and Jing Tian were whispering to each other when Lin Jidong on stage caught them in the act.

"Kan Qingzi, aren't you very talkative? Come on up here and tell everyone."

Kan Qingzi was startled, her head immediately lowered, and she hurriedly waved her hands: "Teacher, I didn't!"

"So what were you discussing just now?"

"I was just discussing studying."

As she spoke, Kan Qingzi quickly moved to the side, almost touching Jing Tian to avoid him, her cheeks flushed.

Seeing this, Jing Tian lowered his head to suppress his laughter, and everyone in the class chuckled softly as well.

Meanwhile, at Cardington Studios in London, everything was progressing rapidly after the press conference for the start of filming of "Inception".

A visual concept of a rotating corridor, zero-gravity space, and layered dreams.
Under Nolan's guidance, meticulously detailed shooting plans were hung on the wall.

Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Liu Yifei, and others rehearsed repeatedly.

Compared to the busyness of others, Wu Chen has been like a leisurely observer these past few days.

He wore a light gray shirt, sometimes quietly watching Nolan's conversation with the director of photography from behind the monitor, and sometimes walking into the set to examine the model in detail, maintaining a relaxed demeanor.

However, if I see a problem, I will still help when necessary.

"Is the undulation of this storm corridor set a bit too slowly?"

"This lighting simulation doesn't quite match the angle."

Nolan was pleasantly surprised to find that Wu Chen was not only familiar with the script structure, but also offered valuable suggestions on lighting, cinematography, and camera rhythm.

"Wu, why don't you stay a few more days?"

"No way, I won't do this without paying."

Nolan was taken aback by this, then burst into laughter. He glanced at the shooting schedule and suddenly called out to Liu Yifei, "Crystal, give it your all this afternoon. You don't have any scenes tonight, so you can wrap up early today!"

Liu Yifei blushed upon hearing this.

Leonardo DiCaprio, Marion Cotillard, and others who seemed to enjoy the spectacle, burst into laughter. In the evening, a gentle breeze blew through London, the orange glow of dusk bathed the streets, and pigeons landed on the cobblestone steps in front of St. Paul's Cathedral.
As the two were looking for a restaurant, Liu Yifei suddenly looked at Wu Chen and said, "We won't be staying in London for long; we'll be moving soon. I've sent you the time and place."

"Okay, I'll come visit the set when I have time."

Wu Chen couldn't help but chuckle.

"Hehe, you said it yourself."

The following day, Wu Chen traveled from London to Los Angeles, intending to discuss the native 3D system with Universal.

Under the bright California sun, the headquarters of Universal Pictures in Los Angeles stands on a hillside, its glass curtain walls reflecting the intense summer sunlight.

Wu Chen sat in the conference room with a cup of still-warm coffee beside him, his calm features reflected in the glass tabletop.

Across from him, David Lyndon flipped through the partially prepared proposal:

"We are already in contact with Industrial Light & Magic's visual effects department and P+S Technik in Germany, who have medium-sized 3D camera frames that are compatible with cameras such as RED."

He paused, then added, "Quantel's software synchronization and focus modules can also be integrated into the overall system. Based on current feedback, their 'GenQ Core' has low latency and good color tolerance."

Wu Chen listened attentively and nodded slightly.

Obviously, Hollywood companies alone cannot complete this project; it requires collaboration between companies from multiple countries.
"The art department will need a lot of staff," Wu Chen said immediately. "By the way, I heard your appointment has been finalized. Congratulations, David!"

David was taken aback, then his eyes crinkled with laughter.

He was very happy that they could go even further, and he put his arm around Wu Chen's shoulder, his eyes crinkling with laughter.

"OK, I know you're going to rip me off. Let's do it today, hahaha, let's call Jason."

"Then I won't be polite."

In the evening, the three of them arrived as agreed at a quiet Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills. Vines entwined the beams, and the red wine lamps deepened the look in everyone's eyes.

As soon as the dishes were served, David raised his glass and took a small sip of red wine, casually asking, "Seriously, Wu, how high are your expectations for 'Interstellar'?"

"Looking forward to it," Wu Chen said, slowly tracing the wine glass with his fingertips, seemingly lost in thought for a moment.

David and Jason exchanged a glance, their eyes showing interest, as if they wanted to hear how he would position the project.

“If it’s just my personal expectation,” Wu Chen said slowly, “it would be much higher in my mind than ‘The Martian’.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a shrewd glint flashed in David's eyes, and he quickly asked, "Much higher? You mean the box office?"

Wu Chen's words filled him with anticipation. If it could surpass the box office of "The Martian" by a significant margin, wouldn't it potentially reach a billion dollars? That would be a huge windfall!

"box office?"

Wu Chen raised an eyebrow, glanced at him, then shook his head and chuckled, saying, "David, you can't always judge a movie by its box office numbers. This is art."

“Art is art,” David sighed softly, “but my predecessor was fired after being summoned by the board for three hours because three consecutive films failed to break even.”

The group exchanged glances, and laughter echoed through the restaurant.

“Alright,” Wu Chen raised his glass, “then let me put it another way. Trust me, you will definitely be able to keep your position.”

This is truly great news.

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(End of this chapter)