This director lacks vision.

Does Chapter 214 have any prestige?
After arranging all the company's work, Jiang Yifeng boarded a plane to Bangkok on the morning of May 27.

On this trip, Jiang Yifeng was not accompanied by any beautiful women, but instead by a man.

In first class, Wang Sicong, wearing brightly colored shorts, sat next to Jiang Yifeng.

He said expectantly, "I saw in the reports that the actresses in the cast include Li Xiaoran, Tong Liya, and Zuo Xiaoqing."
That's great, this lineup is pretty good!
You said before that you wanted to have two women on either side of you, so which two will you be acting with?

Seeing Wang Sicong's excited expression, Jiang Yifeng asked with a smile, "Of these three female celebrities, who is your favorite?"

Wang Sicong thought for a moment and said truthfully, "Of course it's Zuo Xiaoqing. After I learned that she was in Lost in Thailand, I even went to watch The Way of Heaven."

Holy crap, her portrayal of Rui Xiaodan in "The Way of Heaven" is absolutely stunning! The more you watch, the more captivating she becomes!

Jiang Yifeng was surprised to hear this.

Hasn't Wang Sicong always liked young internet celebrities?

But then Wang Sicong launched into a long and detailed analysis: "Let me tell you, a real man should like a radiant young woman."

Little girls are boring, there's no challenge at all, they don't show my skills!
"Only by seducing a young woman can you truly demonstrate skill!"

Jiang Yifeng: "..."

Looking at Wang Sicong's small frame, Jiang Yifeng joked, "Then you should find a young girl."

"What do you mean? You look down on me!"

“I’m not looking down on you, I’m doing this for your own good. People should act within their capabilities,” Jiang Yifeng said with a smile. “A toothpick is meant for picking teeth; trying to stir a large vat is bad for both the toothpick and the vat.”

"Hehe~ Although you're strong, I'm not bad either. We'll see!"

Wang Sicong has gone through some trials these days, and being coaxed by some young girls has made him very confident.

Jiang Yifeng smiled and said, "Actually, you don't need to think so much."

"Since your dad asked me to teach you, I'll teach you the first principle of how rich kids pick up girls."

"What principle?"

"Spending money is God; just enjoy yourself and don't worry about anything else."

Upon hearing this, Wang Sicong curled his lip and said disdainfully, "That's not fulfilling. Your teaching isn't very good."

Seeing Wang Sicong's stubbornness, Jiang Yifeng didn't say anything more.

This guy is just starting out and his ideas aren't fully formed yet.

Once he's had his fill of wild adventures, he'll realize that his own pleasure is the most important thing.

This is a process of gradually becoming a "veteran".

After the plane landed, Chen Sicheng drove a minivan to pick them up.

Accompanying him was the female lead, Li Xiaoran.

The weather in Thailand was very hot, and Li Xiaoran wore a loose and breathable white short-sleeved shirt, which revealed a hint of her fair skin, showcasing her remarkable strength.

She was already very fair-skinned, and under the tropical sun, she seemed to glow even more, giving off a radiant feeling.

When Jiang Yifeng saw the beautiful and well-proportioned Li Xiaoran, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "The weather in Thailand is really hot!"
As for Wang Sicong, he immediately changed his tune.

"Holy crap! I was too naive just now. I need to change my ranking. Li Xiaoran first, Zuo Xiaoqing second, and Tong Liya third."

No wonder Sun Donghai was willing to kill someone for her; the saying "beauty is a curse" really holds true!

Many beautiful women only elicit a "wow!" or "amazing" feeling when you see them in person.

After all, cameras can beautify people, solving all skin problems and improving body shape through camera angles.

This gives an advantage to some short, dark-skinned, and thin beauties, while it weakens the advantage for beauties like Li Xiaoran, and may even be a disadvantage.

So her beauty wasn't particularly striking when viewed on television.

The feeling in life is completely different.

Seeing Li Xiaoran's condition, Jiang Yifeng felt that he had made the right choice in casting the female lead, which would greatly enhance the film.

Chen Sicheng opened the car door, and Jiang Yifeng sat in the back seat.

Just as Wang Sicong was about to sit down, he saw Li Xiaoran plop down next to Jiang Yifeng, so he had no choice but to sit in the front row with a sullen expression.

Chen Sicheng gave a wry smile and said, "Our filing has been blocked by the Thai Film Bureau."

Jiang Yifeng took off his sunglasses and asked, "Why? Is the script not in compliance with regulations? That shouldn't be the case."

Despite the fact that the script of "Lost in Thailand" exposes some problems in Thai society, these issues are not considered significant in Thailand.

To encourage more people to make films in Thailand, the country has very lenient regulations on film script review.

As long as you don't excessively satirize the sensitive issues of Thai monarchy and religion, you can film anything else you want.

Chen Sicheng said, "The Film Bureau has not yet given a reply. It's just that the filing process is slow, not that it has failed."

We're already trying to expedite it.

Before Jiang Yifeng could speak, Wang Sicong in front said, "Then it definitely costs money!"

In this shabby place, you have to tip for everything, and I bet even film registration is one of them.

If you ask me, I'd just give them a sum of money and call it a day. If that doesn't work, then we shouldn't even bother with the registration.

Registration is definitely required.

Filming movies in Thailand doesn't require registration, but hiring local actors can easily lead to disputes.

Not to mention clearing the area for filming or anything like that.

If a serious investigation is launched, filming could be halted at any time.

Jiang Yifeng ignored Wang Sicong's words and asked instead, "Didn't you hire a local tour group? What did they say?"

"The local tour guide said that the normal registration time is at least two weeks and at most three months."

We submitted our filing application just one month ago, which is still within the normal timeframe, and they're telling us to keep waiting.

I told them we were in a hurry, filming was scheduled to start in June, and they said they would find a way.

Hearing this, Wang Sicong wanted to show off again. He said, "The local tour guide you hired isn't good enough. How about I find someone and spend more money to hire a better one?"

Chen Sicheng explained, "This is not about money."

Companies in Thailand that provide accommodation for film crews are divided into three tiers:
The first-class category is specifically for Hollywood film crews, and there are only three companies in total.

The second-class category is for receiving film crews from Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong.

The third category consists of small, scattered teams, some of which haven't even established a company yet and specialize in catering to low-budget film crews.

The local tour operator we hired is a second-tier reputable company, which is quite good, considering that very few mainland Chinese film crews have shot movies in Thailand before.

There is no such thing as equality in this world, and the unfairness and discrimination encountered after going abroad are everywhere.

The same applies to Thailand; even the local tour guides for film shoots are tiered, providing services to different groups of people.

Of course, you can also explain it from an economic perspective, since the US dollar is more valuable than other currencies, and you can earn more by serving Hollywood film crews.

When filming abroad, a good local team is very important.

They can coordinate many things, effectively helping the production team save costs and even improve the quality of filming.

If you go through official registration, that's considered legitimate; but if you find a good local guide, that's how you deal with shady dealings.

In a way, it can be considered paying protection money.

To some extent, the film bureau's registration office and local tour operators are working together.

Film bureau registration is much smoother with local tour guides; without them, there are all sorts of problems. This is why we encourage all film crews to find local tour guides.

Upon hearing Chen Sicheng's explanation, Wang Sicong glanced at Jiang Yifeng and teased, "I saw in domestic media reports that you, Uncle Jiang, are now a famous director in Asia, with influence throughout the Asian market."

How come filming a movie in Thailand is causing problems even with the registration process? It feels so undignified!

Jiang Yifeng smiled and said calmly, "Safety comes first abroad; appearances and such are not important."

Chen Sicheng quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, President Jiang, it's my fault for not doing my job well." "It's alright." Jiang Yifeng looked at Chen Sicheng, who had gotten a tan, and said with a smile, "This is our company's first time filming abroad, so it's inevitable that we'll encounter problems. We'll have more experience next time, and we should file the necessary paperwork earlier."

Li Xiaoran, who hadn't spoken until now, said, "I feel like there's something wrong with the local tour guide the production team hired. He had a sour face and barely acknowledged us."

At least the person I was dealing with had very poor manners!

Li Xiaoran came to Thailand ahead of time to observe the local people's lifestyle, refine the details of her performance, and needed to travel to various places to learn and gather inspiration.

Therefore, I deal with local tour guides quite a lot.

Judging from her tone, she was quite resentful.

Upon hearing this, Wang Sicong volunteered in front of the beautiful woman, saying, "Tell me which jerk is so rude, and I'll find someone to teach him a lesson!"

Li Xiaoran remained silent, only glancing at Jiang Yifeng.

Jiang Yifeng's smile vanished, and he glared at Wang Sicong, exuding a beastly aura that made Wang Sicong's heart tremble.

"I said, safety comes first when you're abroad, don't cause trouble."

Don't go to nightclubs or entertainment venues these next few days. You're currently on set, so you need to follow the crew's rules.

"After you finish filming, you can do whatever you want. I don't care."

For Jiang Yifeng, a bad local guide can be replaced, but the management of the film crew must be strict.

After all, they came out to film, not to have fun.

Wang Sicong has a very outgoing personality; it wouldn't be good if he caused any trouble during filming.

After being reprimanded by Jiang Yifeng, Wang Sicong opened his mouth but ultimately remained silent and obeyed the arrangement.

Jiang Yifeng checked the time; it was only 2 PM. He then said to Chen Sicheng, "Call the person in charge of the local tour and have him meet us at the Film Bureau."

"Let's go directly to the Thai Film Bureau now and see how long the registration process will take."

Jiang Yifeng was too lazy to dawdle and decided to figure out the filing process first.

About 45 minutes later, the car arrived at Siam Square, the office of the Thai Film Bureau, which is located in a building behind the square.

When Jiang Yifeng got out of the car, the receptionist at the Film Bureau was startled.

Because he was accompanied by six bodyguards, who were tall and handsome, and looked even more imposing with their sunglasses on. He was also accompanied by a beautiful woman.

He looks like a big shot no matter how you look at it.

The person in charge of the local tour was already waiting in the lobby.

Upon seeing Jiang Yifeng, he jogged over, bowing respectfully, and said, "Hello, Mr. Jiang! I am Lin Dongyuan, the head of Bangkok Jixiang Fugui Culture Company!"

Seeing Lin Dongyuan bowing and scraping, Li Xiaoran felt secretly pleased and subconsciously moved even closer to Jiang Yifeng, feeling quite like a fox borrowing the tiger's power.

Hearing Lin Dongyuan's broken Mandarin, Jiang Yifeng took off his sunglasses and asked, "Are you from Hong Kong?"

Lin Dongyuan's face immediately showed a proud expression.

"Mr. Jiang, you have a good eye. I'm from Hong Kong Island. I'll handle the filing matters. You really don't need to come in person."

Hong Kong cinema once flourished, and many film crews came to Thailand to shoot movies. Lam Tung-yuen used to specifically host Hong Kong film crews.

The crew of the movie "Lost in Thailand" came here this time, and they hired his company as their local guide, since they can communicate better because they share the same language.

"President Jiang, please have a seat here for a while. I have already contacted the head of the filing department, and I will go and communicate with him in a bit."

You'd better not show up; if they see you, they might try to extort an exorbitant amount.

After saying that, Lin Dongyuan went upstairs alone, leaving an assistant to entertain him.

Jiang Yifeng looked at Chen Sicheng and asked, "Did you come to the Film Bureau alone?"

Chen Sicheng nodded and said, "They have come before, but they don't really pay attention to me and only recognize the local guide."

Jiang Yifeng made no attempt to hide it from Lin Dongyuan's assistant, saying directly, "When hiring a local tour guide, it's better to hire a foreigner than a Hong Konger. They're the ones who despise us the most and are the most likely to rip us off."

Li Xiaoran wholeheartedly agreed and immediately chimed in, "Exactly!"

Jiang Yifeng added, "Judging from the current situation, it seems that the local tour operator has conspired with certain people in the Film Bureau to deliberately delay us, so that when we are in the most urgent situation, they will ask for an express fee."

Lin Dongyuan might speak up soon.

This kind of deceptive tactic is nothing new; Jiang Yifeng saw through it at a glance.

Chen Sicheng asked, "Should we give it to them?"

Jiang Yifeng shook his head, and just as he was about to speak, he saw two girls at the front desk walk over and say in English, "Jiang? Are you Director Jiang?!"

Jiang Yifeng was somewhat surprised to see the two Thai girls looking so excited.

He nodded and switched to English, saying, "That's right, I'm Jiang. You know me?"

"Of course I know you!" the girl said. "You're very famous in Thailand. I really like the movie you filmed, Dark Glory!"

Unfortunately, while the place names and character names in the drama are all from Thailand, the actual locations are not in Thailand.

Another girl said, "I love your horse-riding dance, Gangnam Style! And my skateboard shoes!"

Are you in Thailand to film a movie?

Jiang Yifeng said, "Yes, my film has been filed with your film bureau, and after a month, it still hasn't been approved."

I came to ask how long the registration process will take.

Upon hearing this, the two girls looked surprised and didn't believe it.

"Impossible! We haven't received any notification!"

"Exactly, if you were to come to Thailand to film a movie, you'd definitely get the green light all the way! Our film bureau has special policies for well-known directors."

Jiang Yifeng is indeed quite famous in the Pan-Asian region.

In terms of film and television works, he has filmed four hit series, including Dark Glory 12, Back to 20, and The Hunt. Although he did not go to the local area to promote them, he often recorded videos to show his face.

Recently, director Jiang Yifeng's works have become a promotional strategy, which has further increased his popularity.

In music, Jiang Yifeng wrote many English songs and catchy tunes, which, along with the performances and popularity of the 101 girl group and Crown Group, also had a great influence in Asia.

His duet with Crown Entertainment, "Gangnam Style," and the music video of them dancing the horse-riding dance together, have garnered a huge number of views on YouTube, and many people remember Jiang Yifeng's appearance through these videos.

Moreover, this is the Film Bureau, and the employees working here have a better understanding of the entertainment industry.

It's not surprising that the two girls knew Jiang Yifeng.

Judging from their behavior, it is even more certain that Lin Dongyuan was the one who set them up.

After some discussion, the two girls divided their tasks clearly: one poured water for Jiang Yifeng, and the other went to make a phone call.

A short while later, several leaders from the Thai Film Bureau hurriedly came out.

This includes the head of the foreign film filing office.

After clarifying the situation, they apologized repeatedly and invited Jiang Yifeng to their office for tea.

As for the filing, it was approved that afternoon.

This series of changes left Wang Sicong dumbfounded.

I never expected Jiang Yifeng to be so famous in Thailand. People from the film bureau know him and are giving him so much face.

What was originally a very troublesome registration issue was resolved directly.

Jiang Yifeng really pulled off a great show.

Wang Sicong was incredibly envious. Seeing how Li Xiaoran practically clung to Jiang Yifeng, he felt he needed to find someone else.

He was already upset, but after leaving the Film Bureau, Jiang Yifeng asked in the car, "Xiao Wang, as a well-known director in Asia, do I really have any prestige?"

Wang Sicong: “…”

(End of this chapter)