Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 526 Senior Brother, You're Right! (Starting the program)

Beijing, late February.

The cold wind still carried a chill.
Just two days after the script for "Ex Machina" was submitted for filing, the news spread like wildfire, like a kite string being released.

The news is being discussed in company break rooms, coffee shops, and even at producer gatherings.

Starry Night Pictures didn't try to hide it and went along with it by issuing a press release.

That afternoon, the homepage of the portal website's entertainment section displayed the headline:

[Starry Night Pictures, in partnership with Wanda Pictures, is supporting new director Guo Fan in directing the sci-fi film "Ex Machina".]

A stone stirred up a thousand waves.

"Wu Chen is really daring, letting a newcomer director helm a sci-fi film."

"I definitely wouldn't dare. Even with a small investment, it would still cost at least ten or twenty million. Then there are marketing and promotion expenses. If we lose money, we could easily lose at least ten million!"

"No wonder Starry Night Pictures is so successful; their determination to cultivate new directors is something that ordinary companies can't match."

"I'm so envious. I heard he's not even from the directing or cinematography department of Beijing Film Academy, but from the management department. I wonder what Wu Chen saw in Guo Fan?"

"."

Just as the industry was buzzing with discussion, Pang Hongdu from Ningying came knocking on the door.

Wu Chen was used to it; Ning Ying's call wasn't the first one he'd heard from.

"President Pang, let's forget about it. It's just a small production. It's too much trouble to keep dividing it up. Let's focus on planning 'Painted Skin 2' instead."

Upon hearing Wu Chen's words, Pang Hong knew that things were beyond saving.

To be honest, many people outside the industry are not particularly optimistic about it, after all, it is still a science fiction film and it is directed by a new director, but Pang Hong is quite optimistic about it.

The first "Painted Skin" film was directed by a newcomer, who had profited from that experience. He knew how to go all in when everyone was pessimistic.
Unfortunately, Wu Chen didn't give him that chance.

Pang Hong sighed and changed the subject: "Director Wu, will 'Painted Skin 2' be able to start filming this year?"

"It depends on Lu Yang's progress. Theoretically, it's possible."

While many in the industry remained hesitant, the actresses reacted quite differently.

"Judging from this name, it's impossible that it doesn't need actresses, right?"

"Although he is a new director, this is a science fiction subject. As long as I can act in it, it is still worth a try."

"I wonder if directors from Xingchen Pictures will follow Wu Chen's style and continue to use people from the Beijing Film Academy."

"."

For them, who directs isn't the most important thing; what matters most is whether they can get on Xingchen's projects. Even if it's a new director, as long as Wu Chen is behind them, the opportunity is worth fighting for.

On the internet, however, the voice is even more direct.

The number of comments under the posts on Baidu Tieba, Douban groups, and Weibo topics is considerable.

"Although we don't know Guo Fan's capabilities, the fact that he dared to film it is a victory in itself."

"As long as it's not too bad, it can be nurtured slowly. Xingchen is willing to spend money, which is better than not bidding at all."

"Science fiction films may really need a new generation of directors, like Wu Chen. Speaking of which, is Wu Chen looking for a successor for himself?"

There were many jokes and teasing, and the name "Ex Machina" quickly became a trending topic on Weibo.

At the same time, Lu Yang and Guo Fan were together. Seeing Guo Fan put down his phone, Lu Yang couldn't help but joke.

"How about it, are you feeling the bittersweet feeling of happiness?"

Guo Fan couldn't help but nod, his fingers unconsciously fiddling with the edge of his phone.

In just a short while, teachers, classmates, and even some acquaintances who hadn't been in touch for years called to inquire about the film, even though it was only a low-budget production.

"I'm telling you, this is just the beginning."

At this moment, Lu Yang spoke eloquently, as if he were someone who had been through it all.

Guo Fan was very modest, nodding frequently, and occasionally adding a comment:
"What my senior brother says is true."

"Senior brother, you're right!"

Lu Yang was happy all afternoon, but he noticed that Guo Fan scratched his head from time to time, looking thoughtful.

"What's wrong? Still troubled?"

Guo Fan gave a wry smile and sighed, "Yeah, senior brother, it seems like it's not easy to find a female lead for me. Where can I find a female lead who has a robotic feel, and whose acting skills are also top-notch?"

"Hmm, that seems to be it."

Lu Yang stroked his chin, feeling that this role was really hard to find.

It should at least have some flair and distinctive features, and ideally, it should have the feel of a "robot".

Too delicate is no good, and too mundane is also no good.

"Senior brother, can you do me a favor?"

"Hey, that's easy to talk about. Let me give you some advice."

And so, March quietly arrived.

Suddenly, the Oscars became a hot topic.

The atmosphere in Los Angeles for the upcoming 82nd Academy Awards ceremony on the 8th has been hyped up by the media.

Domestic film critics and journalists also joined in, writing predictions on blogs, forums, and newspaper columns, such as for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress.
However, with the Golden Globes' involvement, opinions were less unified this time. Cameron's "Avatar" garnered some support for Best Picture and Best Director, but "The Martian's" chances of winning Best Picture were extremely slim.

"Of the ten films, to be honest, Director Wu's science fiction films don't really have an advantage."

"Among those nominees, I feel the technology categories have the best chance!"

"."

Wu Chen is clearly not at an advantage in this year's Oscars.

At this moment, in front of the bedroom mirror, Liu Yifei tilted her head and carefully put on a small silver earring.

The light reflected off the metal flickered slightly, and a hint of doubt appeared in her eyes amidst the light and shadow.

"Are those Oscar predictions online accurate? They say your chances aren't very high."

Wu Chen nodded: "He's right. It's going to be tough for 'The Martian' to compete against nine other films for Best Picture."

"Okay, it's fine. Paramount is planning to release 'Black Swan' this year, and you also have '1939,' so you can compete for next year's award."

Liu Yifei smiled with her dimples, turned around and walked over, picked up her bag, and took Wu Chen's arm with one hand.

She waved to "Dongdong" and "Xixi," who were thrashing about on the sofa, and the cats wagged their tails and meowed softly.

The two left side by side.

Today marks the start of filming for "Love is Not Blind".

Sanlitun VILLAGE is not only the site of the opening ceremony, but also the main filming location for the movie.

The office scenes for Wang Xiaojian and Huang Xiaoxian are planned to be filmed here in the future.

Xue Xiaolu, Bao Jingjing, Shu Chang, Luo Jin and others arrived early.

The cameras, light stands, and red carpet were all in place, and the atmosphere on set carried a hint of spring chill.

Bao Jingjing was carrying a steaming hot bun. As a screenwriter, she didn't have to be there, but she couldn't resist the urge and came to join in the fun.

"Senior sister, over here!"

When Bao Jingjing saw Liu Yifei, her eyes lit up. She couldn't help but wave the bag of steamed buns she was carrying upwards to indicate that she had arrived, but she also dropped the buns.

Liu Yifei couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle.

"Jingjing, I've noticed you really like steamed buns."

Xue Xiaolu shook her head and couldn't help but laugh: "She loves to eat this for breakfast all year round."

Bao Jingjing looked embarrassed and quickly bent down to pick up the bun that had fallen on the ground, preparing to throw it into the trash can. When she saw Wu Chen arrive, she greeted him.

"Director Wu!"

"Huh? You call her 'senior sister' but me 'director'? That's a bit distant."

Wu Chen feigned displeasure, which immediately made Bao Jingjing anxious. "Senior Brother Wu Chen, I'm sorry."

Liu Yifei quickly reached out and patted Wu Chen's shoulder, laughing and scolding, "You're so annoying, don't scare Jingjing!"

"Okay, okay, just kidding."

Wu Chen smiled, his gaze already fixed on Zhang Lin, who was walking briskly towards him not far away.

Wanda Pictures Media made a special appearance this time to show that Wanda Pictures has been established for a long time and has not been inactive in the film industry.

Of course, if Wang Jianlin hadn't stepped in, there would have been absolutely nothing to be done.

With the time almost up, the opening ceremony officially began.

Several invited media outlets set up their cameras, and flashes went off one after another.

When it was Wu Chen's turn, he simply waved his hand.

"Ask Yifei and Director Xue if you have any questions. I didn't do anything except invest money."

Wu Chen's words were exactly what Zhang Lin wanted to hear. Indeed, Wanda seemed to have only invested money, and currently only had money. He immediately echoed Wu Chen's sentiments:

"Wanda only invested money; the rest was handled by the core creative team. Just ask them."

The laughter from the crowd grew even louder.

The media exchanged glances and then turned their microphones toward Liu Yifei, Xue Xiaolu, and the lead actors.

Liu Yifei wore a black fitted suit, and her hair was styled in loose S-shaped curls that gently slid down her shoulders.

She occasionally brushed the object aside with her hand, her expression calm and composed. Facing the camera and reporters' questions, she answered them fluently and confidently, exuding a powerful aura in every gesture.

Shu Chang and Luo Jin answered along with her, while Xue Xiaolu laughed and added her own comments from time to time, creating a relaxed and warm atmosphere.

As the interview came to an end, a reporter noticed Wu Chen and Zhang Lin in the corner, chatting and laughing.

Several reporters exchanged glances and whispered among themselves.

"Damn, these two families are really rich. They seem to think money doesn't matter to them."

"You know what, that's true."

"I just don't understand. Wu Chen doesn't care because the person in charge is his girlfriend. Losing money is normal. But what about Wanda?"

Is it possible that Wanda Pictures believes in Wu Chen?

"."

(End of this chapter)