Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 482 Soft Science Fiction

The capital city was already slightly chilly at the end of October, but the entire Chinese film industry was gradually heating up as the Lunar New Year film season approached.

Zhang Yimou's "A Simple Noodle Story" made a strong first impression, completing the sample editing early and privately inviting executives from eleven major cinema chains across the country to watch it.

In the screening room, as soon as the lights came on, a vibrant and colorful visual feast began.

After the film ended and the lights came on, the heads of major cinema chains all looked "satisfied" when facing the media.

"It's a story that revolves around a gun, which is used three times, and each episode is very cleverly crafted."

"Director Zhang's movies are guaranteed to be box office hits."

"It's of very high quality and has a very good chance of becoming the top contender in this year's Lunar New Year film season."

Theaters never predict a bad movie from a big-name director. Back in the day, "The Promise" was hailed as the best, and it's no exception now.
No one has trouble with money.

Especially during the annual Lunar New Year holiday season, a prime time for entertainment.

However, just as theater circles were brimming with confidence in the market performance of "A Simple Noodle Story," industry insiders quickly noticed an unusual gap:

There has been absolutely no news about Ning Hao's "No Man's Land".

There were no posters, no release date, no censorship, and no marketing activity whatsoever; it was as if the film had vanished into thin air.

"Post-production isn't finished yet?"

"Could it be that they've given up on the Lunar New Year film season? That's not like Ning Hao at all."

"."

Privately, many people are discussing this, and no one thinks Ning Hao is afraid of fierce competition. After all, as one of the few directors in the industry with a box office of 100 million yuan, let alone 300 million yuan, he has no reason to be afraid of competition.

Moreover, in this year's Lunar New Year film season, Zhang Yimou is the only mainland actor, making the competition very relaxed.

Meanwhile, Lu Xun was also annoyed, constantly pressing Lu Tianming for answers:
"Dad, are you sure? There's been absolutely no news about 'No Man's Land'? It hasn't been submitted for review? That doesn't make sense. Given Wu Chen and Ning Hao's personalities, how could they possibly give up on the Lunar New Year release?"

He was hoping to get back at them this time, but after waiting patiently for a long time, there was still no sign of it.

It's said that the person who knows you best is your enemy. If Wu Chen heard this, he would definitely applaud.

If everything goes smoothly, he and Ning Hao definitely won't give up on the Lunar New Year film season.

"Let me ask again."

Lu Tianming frowned. He had originally planned to subtly inquire, but he was forced to ask anyway. However, the news he received was the same as what was known in the industry: there was no word from them.

"That's really strange."

The father and son were still pondering, and their initial enthusiasm suddenly cooled down considerably.

Ning Hao felt a bit guilty. Although none of the investors were under pressure to repay their investments, it was still an investment of 30 million yuan.

"I'm thinking of seeing if I can write a notebook next year."

"No rush. Spend more time with Sister Na. Her child is still young. There's plenty of time to write the script when you have an idea." Wu Chen smiled, leaning back in his office chair, his tone relaxed.

"Ah."

Ning Hao smiled and nodded. After hanging up the phone, his gaze turned to Xing Aina, who was sitting on the sofa.

Seeing this, the latter comforted them, saying, "It's alright, we'll write the book together next year and give a few companies an explanation first."

However, Xing Aina also looked disgusted, "Can you please stop wearing that big gold chain all the time? It's so ugly. Among so many big directors, you're the only one who likes to show off like this, like a nouveau riche." Ning Hao chuckled and directly grabbed the exaggerated gold chain and shook it in his hand:

"I do this to constantly remind myself that I am a vulgar person, and not to take myself too seriously, lest the movies I make seem like I'm on a cloud. This big gold chain is just fine, it looks so tacky!"

At this moment, Lu Yang had already knocked on the door and entered Wu Chen's office.

Upon seeing this, Wu Chen got up and sat on the sofa.

"Is 'The Blind Cinema' finished filming?"

"Hehe, filming is finished. I'm thinking about whether I should start working on the script for 'Painted Skin 2'. My art films don't take much time to post-production, so I can release them sometime next year."

"Not planning on going to a film festival?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Chen smiled and asked, a hint of excitement appearing in the latter's eyes.

"Is that okay?"

"That depends on how well you shoot it. Show me the finished product later, and if it's suitable, try to get it from a film festival that likes this type of film."

"Okay!" Lu Yang was very excited, and his emotions were clearly stirred up.

Winning awards and box office success have two different kinds of sense of accomplishment.

"By the way, Director Wu, didn't the company sign a new director?"

"You mean Guo Fan?" Wu Chen nodded, casually flipping through his phone on the table. "He'll be here soon. If you're not in a rush, wait a bit and get to know him."

Lu Yang didn't hesitate and waited right there.

He was also somewhat curious.

He had heard that Guo Fan was specially signed by Wu Chen at the school, and according to the alumni group, he was also a director who liked science fiction, so he had to get to know him.

Half an hour later, Guo Fan arrived. He wasn't particularly surprised to see Lu Yang and quickly went up to shake hands with him.
"Senior Brother Lu Yang, Guo Fan, a graduate student in the Management Department, I've been auditing directing professors' classes lately, and they often mention you, Senior Brother."

The way he addressed him as "senior brother" was spot-on, and coupled with that honest smile and the mention of the directing department, Lu Yang instantly felt that this was a very easy person to get along with. In the workplace, he would be an exceptionally good colleague.
The two hit it off immediately after just a few words, as if they had known each other for a long time.

Of course, in Wu Chen's eyes, this "instant rapport" nonsense was clearly just Guo Fan's smooth talk. His words of building rapport and flattery were making Lu Yang incredibly happy.
"The story framework is here."

Seeing that the two had chatted quite a bit, Wu Chen took out a document from the drawer.

"This is a practice project. The script is still in the architecture stage and it follows a soft science fiction approach. You will be in charge of refining the script."

Soft science fiction is a very suitable introductory work for a new science fiction director because it focuses more on humanities and philosophical thinking.

New directors can hone their skills in pacing, handling character relationships, expressing complex concepts in a simple and accessible way, and controlling the audience's emotions.

While hard science fiction emphasizes technology, emotion is its foundation. Otherwise, once it is detached from emotion or humanity, it easily becomes a "technology show" or an "empty shell."

Guo Fan carefully took the document, turned to the first page, and saw the words "Ex Machina" prominently displayed on the cover.

He read it aloud in a low voice, his eyes immediately becoming focused.

Lu Yang, who was standing nearby, also curiously came over to take a look.

The story framework is very simple:
The story revolves around a cyborg with the appearance of a young girl who, possessing extraordinary mental abilities, ultimately sets a deadly trap for the programmer testing her, allowing her to escape the laboratory.
The setting is quite simple, making it a low-budget science fiction film.

Although the setting is simple, the story is captivating, following the formula of suspense thrillers, which tests the director's ability to create atmosphere and pacing, so that the ending twist can be truly surprising.

(End of this chapter)