Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 99: Make it a big production?
In the early morning of February 23, the fog on the campus of the Central Academy of Drama had not yet dissipated. The cold wind swept across the bluestone road with a few dead leaves. The bulletin board in front of the teaching building was covered with notices about performances and lectures.

Chang Li, wrapped in a thick sweater and clutching a thermos cup, walked side by side with Liu Xinglin on the road. She heard the voices of several students talking:

"Is the final chapter of Wu Chen's trilogy really being filmed in the country?"

"He said it himself, so how could it be false? Senior Sister Hu Jing starred in 'The Dark Side' and 'Buried Alive', both filmed in Hollywood. With the success of those two films, wouldn't this third one be a hot commodity?"

"Oh, forget it, we have no chance and we haven't even graduated yet!"

"."

Chang Li paused, glanced at Liu Xinglin, and whispered, "Old Liu, do you think Wu Chen's final chapter is related to his last visit to the Central Academy of Drama and his introduction to Kunqu Opera with us?"

Liu Xinglin thought for a moment, nodded slowly, and whispered, "I think so too.

Kunqu Opera emphasizes the combination of reality and fantasy, and if he wants to shoot a thriller, the flavor of Kunqu Opera can bring out some new ideas.”

The two of them discussed it and felt that it was almost certain. Chang Li whispered, "We need to remind the students to prepare."

After returning to the office, Chang Li grabbed her phone and sent messages to several students:

"I suspect Wu Chen's trilogy might be related to Kunqu Opera. Those interested should familiarize themselves with it beforehand, so they don't end up blindly blinded."

Liu Xinglin also called several students.

After hanging up the phone, the two looked at each other with a hint of anticipation in their eyes.

On the other side, in the coffee shop next to the Beijing Film Academy campus, the warm air hit my face, the window glass was covered with a layer of mist, and the aroma of coffee could be smelled.

Chen Guowei arrived early, wearing a dark blue sweater and holding a cup of coffee. When he saw Wu Chen and Xiang Zhuo push the door open, he quickly stood up and extended his hand to shake theirs, smiling a little nervously.
"Director Wu, Chen Guowei, and Professor Mu recommended me. I'm teaching as an assistant professor in the Department of Management."

To be honest, when Mu Deyuan found him, he was confused.

I'm just a pure theorist with no production experience. How did I suddenly get pushed into this position?

Being a producer for Xingchen Pictures, founded by Wu Chen, is an opportunity that can change the trajectory of his life.

Wu Chen smiled, pulled over a chair and sat down. Xiang Zhuo sat next to him and whispered, "Brother Guowei, don't get excited."

He glanced at Chen Guowei and said, "This is also my future producer at Xingchen Pictures, Xiang Zhuo. Nice to meet him."

Xiang Zhuo happily extended his hand: "Brother Chen, please give me more guidance in the future!"

Chen Guowei was stunned for a moment, then shook his hand and whispered, "Brother Xiang Zhuo, it's okay!"

After a few pleasantries, Wu Chen got straight to the point:
"Brother Guowei, you are an assistant teacher, and you should know that the producer is not only in charge of the money, but also the person who is responsible for the entire project.

But the film industry system is different from academia, and what works on paper can be very complicated to implement in reality.”

"I understand this." Chen Guowei sat up straight and said seriously.

Wu Chen smiled slightly and picked up the coffee cup: "In that case, I won't beat around the bush.

Xingchen Pictures is just starting out and actually needs producers with practical experience, not academics who only understand theory.”

Chen Guowei's heart tightened when he heard this and he clenched the cup tightly.

"Don't be nervous!" Wu Chen saw this and put down his hand. "But I want to train a few producers who fit the style of Xingchen Pictures, so it doesn't matter if I only know the theory and have no experience now."

"Director Wu, I understand. My position as a teaching assistant is a contract job. I'll report in advance and I'll be able to leave soon."

Chen Guowei immediately understood and said quickly.

"Okay, I'll arrange for you to join the crew later. You can learn first, and I'll find a producer to guide you. When you come back from this project, we'll sign a long-term contract."

A hint of surprise flashed in Chen Guowei's eyes, and he nodded solemnly: "I will definitely not let you down."

Wu Chen smiled lightly and picked up the coffee cup: "Cheers then."

The three of them discussed some details before Wu Chen and Xiang Zhuo got up and went back.

Xiang Zhuo asked hesitantly as he walked along the road. "Brother Chen, do I not have to go?"

Wu Chen smiled and shook his head: "No need, don't worry, when we need you to do something, just don't yell."

The production work can be described as quite tedious and complicated. When he was filming "The Dark Side", he had to play both the role of father and mother. He was so exhausted that he wanted to curse his mother. This was also a low-budget movie.

And letting Chen Guowei stay in the crew is, on the one hand, to gain some experience, and on the other hand to see what kind of person he is.

The next morning, at the China Film Building in Beijing, the sun shone on the glass walls, revealing a hint of warmth.

In the China Film Office, Han Sanping was leaning back in his chair, reading a newspaper, holding a cup of tea. Gao Chengsheng pushed the door open and whispered, "Boss Han, Director Wu is here."

Han Sanping looked up and whispered, "Please come in!"

Wu Chen came in wrapped in his coat and said with a smile, "Morning, Mr. Han!" Han Sanping put down his cup and said happily, "You've been making a big splash in Berlin these days."

Wu Chen smiled and said, "Thank you for your compliment. It's mainly thanks to the Berlin Organizing Committee for giving me face."

"Hahahaha" Han Sanping laughed when he heard this, "If your movie is not good, you'll see if they will give you face."

Han Sanping took a sip of tea and continued, "Has the Hollywood release date for Buried Alive been set?"

Wu Chen nodded slightly. "It's settled. March 25th. We can also take advantage of the Easter holiday season!"

"That's not bad. I've got a release date for your film 'Buried Alive'. You can decide when's a good time. I think we should just go with the 26th. Your film's main release date isn't in China anyway!"

Wu Chen flipped through the calendar on the table and said, "Okay, I'll do as Mr. Han says."

Han Sanping casually picked up a report and said, "Oh, by the way, I saw in the report that you are planning to shoot a trilogy, and the final one will be shot in China?"

Wu Chen couldn't help but laugh when he heard this.

He knew that Han Sanping would not let this matter go.

"Well, but the concept has not been finalized yet. I have to communicate with Teacher Zhang Jiqing later." Wu Chen did not hide it. Anyway, if it entered the preparation stage later, the whole industry would know about it.

"Oh?" Han Sanping was momentarily confused as to who Zhang Jiqing was. After a moment, he suddenly realized and asked uncertainly, "The final chapter is about filming Kunqu Opera?"

"I guess so. It's based on the art of Kunqu Opera!"

Han Sanping's eyes flashed. This subject matter has great cultural characteristics. If Wu Chen were to film it, it would feel like a film that would win awards.

This play cannot be missed, Han Sanping immediately made a judgment and then said proudly:
“You’ve won the Berlin Film Festival’s Best Director Award now, so you must have made a lot of money from the copyright fees for Buried.

The final chapter of the trilogy has to be a big deal. You have money, China Film Group has money, so how about we make a big production?"

"Big production?" Wu Chen was stunned and shook his head.

"Boss Han, the investment will definitely be much larger than before, but it's an art film after all, so even if the investment is huge, it won't be that big!"

"How can it not be that big? Once the cast is set, the investment will go up. Tell me, who in China can't you invite? I will come forward to help."

Han Sanping said nonchalantly, if he wanted to make a big production, how could he not make it big?

"Let's discuss it after the script comes out." Wu Chen said, then changed the subject. "By the way, Mr. Han, there's something I'd like to ask you for a favor."

"Oh? Tell me about it." Han Sanping was surprised.

"I want to train a producer and let him gain some practical experience by working on Crazy Stone.

Zhang Qiang is an expert in this area, can we let him guide us?"

Han Sanping laughed: "I thought it was something serious. For such a small matter, you can just go to Zhang Qiang directly. He won't refuse."

Wu Chen nodded: "You are from China Film Group, I have to say hello to you!"

……

After leaving China Film Group, Wu Chen immediately called Zhang Qiang and explained his purpose.

Zhang Qiang agreed without hesitation.

"No problem, just send someone over. I just need a helper."

Wu Chen smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Brother Zhang."

"Okay, stop it. Just treat me to a drink later." Zhang Qiang scolded with a smile.

After hanging up the phone, Wu Chen did not forget to call Ning Hao and tell him about this.

"Want to train your own production team?" Ning Hao asked the key question.

"Ok!"

"Okay, I understand what you mean. I'll help you find someone. To be honest, I had the same idea when I was shooting my second movie, but I couldn't do it myself and no one followed me.

But if you put it this way, I'll lend you people in the future, and you'll have to lend me some time. It's really better to have your own people when it comes to production."

Ning Hao chuckled.

"Damn it, I haven't even set up my team yet and you're already asking me for an IOU?" Wu Chen cursed with a smile, then exchanged a few pleasantries before hanging up the phone.

"."

(End of this chapter)