Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 522 They Tried
In February, the wind howled through Beijing, but even more exciting than the weather was the release of all the news about "Love is Not Blind" last night.

As soon as the news broke, industry insiders couldn't help but make fun of it.

"To be honest, you can only see this kind of lineup on Wu Chen's team, it's outrageous."

"From the producers, directors, supervisors, screenwriters to the lead actors, almost everyone is from the Beijing Film Academy. They practically recruited people right there on the school's sports field!"

"Luckily, Shu Chang isn't from the Beijing Film Academy."

"That doesn't matter either way, I suspect this is a promotional video for the Beijing Film Academy!"

"."

The teasing echoed throughout industry forums and group chats.

Especially now, during the art exam season, the release of the news seems to be perfectly timed, as if it were a public display of the "resource chain of the Beijing Film Academy".

Inside the Beijing Film Academy, students were discussing the event in the corridors and along the streets, their faces beaming with excitement—a truly vibrant atmosphere.

"Hahaha, that's hilarious! My friend from the Central Academy of Drama was bragging to me yesterday about how many projects their alumni have starred in."

Today I threw the news about "Love is Not Blind" in his face, and he choked on it.

"Senior Brother Wu Chen and Senior Sister Liu Yifei are truly amazing! I'm so envious."

"Everyone has a chance, everyone has a chance."

The students at Beijing Film Academy were all in high spirits, and even the teacher giving the lecture couldn't help but mention it.

"Study hard, okay? You won't lack opportunities while you're in school. You all saw the news about 'Love is Not Blind' that Xingchen Pictures announced last night, right? They're all from the school."

Meanwhile, in the acting academy's office, the atmosphere was even more relaxed.

Wang Jinsong is now the vice president, and his face beams with undisguised joy.

Holding a copy of the day's school newsletter in my hands, I read it for a long time before putting it down.

"Old Wang, you seem to be in a good mood." Cui Xinqin, who is also a vice dean, couldn't help but tease him. "But don't forget, you're the one who's going to be at the art exam information session this afternoon, so don't just sit there having fun."

"Don't worry, I won't forget." Wang Jinsong waved his hand.

"So, what's the reaction from the Central Academy of Drama? This news came a bit suddenly; it's probably spread all over the art exam groups by now." At this moment, teachers like Lin Jidong asked.

Don't underestimate this seemingly simple message; it contains a wealth of information and is even more appealing to applicants than the Golden Bear Award, reflecting the school's access to external resources.

"Don't even mention it. They called me first thing this morning, saying we were cheating and deliberately released the news at this time."

Wang Jinsong waved seemingly casually, but the smug look on his face never subsided.

"They're getting anxious, really anxious, that's rare!"

Everyone burst into laughter upon hearing this.

"By the way, Ji Dong, how's your contact with Wu Chen about Li Gan in '1939' going? He's a promising talent; we don't want the Central Academy of Drama to snatch him up in the end, or we'll be laughed at."

"Don't worry, we've already made contact!"

"."

However, unlike the cheerful atmosphere at the Beijing Film Academy, the Central Academy of Drama, located seven kilometers away, appeared much more gloomy.

In the corridor of the teaching building, a cold wind blew in through the old windows, making the corners of the enrollment posters on the bulletin board rustle.

Several teachers huddled together and sighed in unison.

"The Beijing Film Academy has gone too far. This is a blatant recruitment tactic. It must have been devised by that insidious Old Wang or Cui Xinqin."

"Is it possible that Starry Night Pictures is just making a routine announcement, since filming started in March?"

"That's absolutely impossible; they're bluffing."

"."

Meanwhile, outside the examination hall, students waiting for their exams chatted amongst themselves in small groups.

The sound of whispers carried by the wind into the corridor added to the frustration of the Central Academy of Drama teachers preparing to proctor the exam. Meanwhile, at a villa in the suburbs of Beijing, Ning Hao and Xing Aina arrived together and, seeing Wu Chen and Liu Yifei petting a cat, couldn't help but tease them.

"Hehe, you two seem pretty relaxed. The cast of 'Love is Not Blind' has been all over the place. You're dealing a heavy blow to other art schools. It's like you just grabbed anyone off the playground, hahaha."

As Ning Hao spoke, he handed Wu Chen a script bound in kraft paper.

"Just release the information normally, it's not that serious, is it?"

"What do you think about the art college entrance exams now?"

Ning Hao chuckled, looked at Wu Chen and then at Liu Yifei, and asked curiously, "Who decided to release it?"

Liu Yifei looked embarrassed and gave a silly, amused laugh.

"I didn't expect that either."

"Haha, Xixi, just tell everyone it's Director Wu, he'll take the blame." Xing Aina then pointed out a clear path for Liu Yifei.

Wu Chen chuckled. This was no big deal. But thinking about the lineup and system, if Shu Chang were replaced, it would be a sure win.

"Where's that golden bear? Take a look."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yifei went back inside and brought it out.

Ning Hao reached out and took it, weighed it in his hand, and couldn't help but click his tongue: "It's quite heavy, I feel like it weighs two kilograms."

"more than."

Wu Chen smiled faintly and casually opened Ning Hao's new script.

It was the prototype of "The Great Gold Robbery".

The story takes place in the 1930s and 40s, and while it retains Ning Hao's signature dark comedy style, it is now set against the backdrop of the War of Resistance against Japan.

This film is considered "not so good" by moviegoers within Ning Hao's filmography, but in reality, it marks Ning Hao's journey towards "maturity" as a director.

"I plan to push a petty opportunist to the brink of a decision, forcing him to undergo a value shift between family, love, and matters of principle."

Ning Hao explained while stroking the Golden Bear trophy.

Liu Yifei leaned on Wu Chen's shoulder and looked at the script outline together.

After reading through the film for a long time, Wu Chen slowly commented: "On one hand, there's your signature 'mischievous smile' style of dark comedy, and on the other hand, you have to complete a narrative of national identity and the growth of a hero. This film is quite challenging."

"So, can you do it?"

"Go ahead and film if you want, it's not like we're short of money," Wu Chen nodded.

Even if the movie isn't perfect, it's a necessary step for the director to expand his reach. Besides, he reads the script and can make timely changes to any parts that don't go smoothly, so it won't be a problem.

"That's what you said"

Ning Hao grinned, feeling reassured. Since Wu Chen had agreed, he could speed up the construction process.

Just then, a phone call came in.

Caller ID: Lu Zheng.

Upon hearing the invitation over the phone, Wu Chen thought for a moment and then accepted.

As a star-studded, epic production, the post-production of "The Warring States" was handled by Starry Sky Visual Effects. Since he was invited, it would seem disrespectful for him not to attend.

"Then we'll await Director Wu's arrival."

Seeing this, Wu Chen glanced at Ning Hao beside him and asked, "Which other directors are you planning to invite?"

Lu Zheng seemed to be caught off guard and paused for a moment.

"We're planning to invite Director Ning; he previously directed a music video for Tian Tian."

"He's right here; I'll let him take the call."

(End of this chapter)