Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 485 Filming, I Heard It With My Own Ears

The filming pace for "1939" began to accelerate.

At night, the tents in the Anti-Japanese Allied Army camp that the film crew had set up were dimly lit, with only a kerosene lamp flickering in the light.

Duan Yihong, who plays the regimental commander, stands in front of a tattered map, his hands resting on the table, his palms sweating from gripping them tightly.

Wang Baoqiang and several other veterans stood in a row, their eyes like iron.

The four messengers have been on their way for three days, but none of them have returned with a reply.
"That's good, better than before. A few more tries should be enough."

After one NG (no good), Wu Chen comforted Wang Baoqiang and Duan Yihong as usual, which once again stunned them, even though it wasn't the first time they had heard it.

"Director Wu is such a nice guy, he always comforts the crew after every take."

Wang Baoqiang couldn't help but say, then he thought of Feng Xiaogang, who was always cursing and swearing on set.
"You can see the effect is obvious. The crew is doing what they were doing, and even though they've filmed ten takes, there's no complaining between them."

Zhang Yi chuckled, then suddenly seemed to remember something and casually asked, "By the way, what's Chen Sicheng been up to lately? I haven't heard anything about him making any big moves."

“Yes, of course he’s here,” Wang Baoqiang immediately retorted. “It’s obvious you haven’t been in touch much. He said he’s writing a script and is also planning to become a director.”

Zhang Yi was visibly taken aback, seemingly not expecting such a dramatic turn of events, and asked with a hint of doubt, "Will it work? Movie or TV series? What if we lose everything?"

"They said they'd start with TV dramas, but he's a newcomer, and we don't know if he'll be able to find investment later."

What TV series?

Wu Chen had just finished explaining the details of the camera's location when he walked back and happened to hear this sentence, so he casually asked.

Wang Baoqiang scratched his head and chuckled: "I have a brother who's writing a TV script and plans to film it himself."

"Oh, is it finished?" Wu Chen pulled up a small stool on the sidelines and sat down. "If it's finished, you can hand it over. Starry Night Pictures can take a look."

Both Zhang Yi and Wang Baoqiang were slightly taken aback.

Why did the art style suddenly change again?
After chatting for a while longer, and learning that Wu Chen hadn't just said it casually, they tentatively asked, "Director Wu, I also have a very good idea."

"Oh, what are your thoughts? Share them here."

Wu Chen gave him a knowing look, and the latter stammered.

Wang Baoqiang, Duan Yihong, and the others suppressed their laughter.

"I need to get back and tidy things up."

"Get lost, get over here and get ready to film!"

Wu Chen chuckled and cursed, then waved for everyone to prepare to start filming again.

After finishing work that evening, Wang Baoqiang and Zhang Yi couldn't wait to tell Chen Sicheng the news. The latter was stunned when he heard it, and his voice rose a half octave:
"Are you two sure you're not messing with me? Especially you, Zhang Yi."

Chen Sicheng was both excited and uncertain, because the news was like a windfall.

Zhang Yi panicked, while Wang Baoqiang remained calm.
"I was there too, I heard it with my own ears."

Director Wu said he could submit it for review, but he also mentioned that Starry Sky Pictures has relatively high requirements. However, if he thinks it's acceptable, he can help submit it to other film and television companies. In short, there is indeed such a thing.”

"Then I believe you."

Chen Sicheng's words made Zhang Yi very unhappy, and he muttered for a long time.

By mid-to-late November, the snow line in the Changbai Mountain forest area had already reached the foot of the mountain.

The filming of "1939" progressed smoothly, and the long take scenes involving Wang Baoqiang and Duan Yihong were finally completed after several days of intensive shooting. As they wrapped up, the camp became unusually lively, with the two men smiling and hugging each member of the crew before leaving.

"Congratulations on wrapping up filming."

Wu Chen smiled.

The two of them had very few takes for the opening scene, but they had to repeat it more than ten times later on to ensure the continuity of the long take.

"It was a pleasure working with Director Wu, it was just too short."

"I'm grateful to Director Wu for giving me this opportunity. By the way, Director, I noticed that the media doesn't know any specific details about '1939.' If we encounter media interviews, should we keep the progress a secret?"

Duan Yihong and Wang Baoqiang each had their own unique way of speaking. Wu Chen chuckled upon hearing this and patted the two men on the shoulder.

"There will be other opportunities in the future. As for interviews, there's nothing to hide."

With this explanation, "1939," which had been out of the public eye for a long time, finally appeared in related reports.

[It is reported that Wu Chen's war epic "1939" has entered the fast-track filming process!]

[Duan Yihong and Wang Baoqiang have finished filming and left the set of "1939"!]

Liu Yifei wanted to visit the set, but Wu Chen politely declined, mainly because the production was going very smoothly and he was afraid of external interference.

Based on the current progress and efficiency, if he's lucky, he feels he might actually be able to wrap up filming in mid-to-late December.

"Okay. Then you need to keep warm. It's already quite cold in Beijing, let alone where you are." Liu Yifei then gave up, thinking it was better to let Wu Chen come back sooner rather than visit the set.

"Okay, don't worry," Wu Chen replied with a smile.

Having someone who cares about you makes you feel warm inside, no matter where you are.

"By the way, you can start looking for a director for Bao Jingjing's story in advance, so you don't end up in a rush later," Wu Chen suggested, since it was Liu Yifei's first time serving as the lead producer.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a long time.” Liu Yifei said confidently. “I recently talked to Jingjing, and she said that Xue Xiaolu, who is now directing her to write the script, understands this kind of emotional script writing very well.”

Moreover, Ms. Xue Xiaolu is also a director, and we happen to have a low-budget film. Don't you think it would be more appropriate to invite her?"

Wu Chen had a smile on his face.

He never expected that Liu Yifei would stumble upon the right person by chance.
"You make the decision."

"Oh, not a single suggestion? Hmph." Liu Yifei instantly turned into a hmphing monster. "Then I'll make the decision myself. Once Jingjing's first draft of the script comes out next month, I'll go invite people!"

"I'll be waiting for your good news, but remember, not everyone will accept every invitation," Wu Chen reminded him.

"Don't underestimate me, just watch me."

Liu Yifei practically wore her naive confidence on her face.

Seeing this, Wu Chen knew that Liu Yifei already had a plan, so he didn't continue to offer any further advice.

And so, December arrived, along with the news that "2012" had surpassed 4 million yuan at the box office, and judging from its momentum, it had a strong possibility of reaching 4.5 million yuan.

This also means that the film is likely to become the second highest-grossing film of the year, second only to The Martian.

Meanwhile, Zhang Weiping was also busy, making a loud statement during an interview.

On one hand, "A Simple Noodle Story" has secured a box office target of 1.5 million yuan, while on the other hand, there is a strong push to promote Zhang Yimou's "triumphant return" to the Lunar New Year film season after a three-year hiatus.
(End of this chapter)