The only sun in Huayu

Chapter 140 The Core of "Jiajing": Old Deng's Sneak Attack (4k)

The meeting room for scriptwriting for the TV series "Jiajing".

The atmosphere at the meeting was noticeably more serious than that of the movie "Lost in Thailand".

Several screenwriters sat around a long table, with Shen Shandeng at the head of the table, tapping on a thick script.

"I'm not satisfied with this first draft!"

On the "Jiajing" project, Shen Shandeng was not as easy to talk to as he was on "Lost in Thailand".

Comedy relies heavily on the creative spark between the writers and actors, and as for historical themes, well, I'm sorry, Shen Shandeng has absolute confidence.

Since he offered a million, he expected to receive a script of a corresponding quality.

The "Jiajing" project, which focuses on literary drama, is planned to be produced with an investment of 20 million yuan by Shen Shandeng.

With the three projects bundled together, there is an advantage in efficiency. In addition, with the experience of "The Eunuch", 20 million can produce a film of several times the quality of current films with the same budget.

Shen Shandeng is confident about this.

Shen Shandeng continued, "The first draft of the script had two distinct styles. One was the flavor of the mid-to-late Jiajing period, which was not good! The other was the image of the spirited and reform-minded emperor in 'The Eunuch,' which was also not good!"

"What I want is to focus on the period before and after Jiajing's ascension to the throne, starting with the Prince Xing's Mansion."

"Don't assume from the beginning that Jiajing was an ambitious emperor. As a minor prince, during his time in the princely palace, any powerful eunuch or minister could easily destroy the Xingxian Prince's Palace. Especially after the Ning Prince's Rebellion, he was even more trembling with fear."

"Let me repeat myself, the words 'beautiful, strong, and tragic' are the essence of the Jiajing era and the absolute core of the 'Jiajing' project."

"He lost his father at the age of 12, which happened to be around the time of the Ning Prince's Rebellion. Just think about it, such a young prince would be looked down upon by officials, let alone a powerful minister."

"The opening scene could show him feeding a ridiculous puppy, so that the audience can sympathize with him and empathize with him at first glance."

"Despite his tragic background and empathy, he also possessed a remarkably strong mind. He managed to stabilize the situation when the royal palace was beset by internal and external troubles, and as a prince, he succeeded to the throne and entered the capital city surrounded by wolves."

"Before and after receiving the imperial decree, the powerful eunuch Gu Dayong broke away from the imperial envoy's group to deliver the decree first, which should have brought fear first."

"When he became the heir apparent and the dust settled, many people were happy. But Zhu Houcong's mother, the Princess of Xing, felt more fear than excitement and joy."

"The Jiang family had many children, but only one son and one daughter survived, and only one son, Zhu Houcong. Zhu Houcong, who was 15 years old by the traditional Chinese age reckoning, was going to the capital to succeed to the throne."

"What kind of situation would a small vassal king face if he had nothing?! You have to put yourself in his shoes!"

"At this crucial juncture, as he prepares to travel to Beijing, he must demonstrate Zhu Houcong's instincts and true nature."

"A country is not safe without a ruler. Even if life and death are beyond one's control and fortune and misfortune are unpredictable, for the sake of the country and the people, one must still venture into the cold pool and wade into the abyss!"

"His predicament, his loneliness, his state of mind, his strength, his helplessness—the audience needs to empathize with him, feel sorry for him, and then applaud and cheer for every time he makes a comeback!"

An older screenwriter adjusted his glasses, somewhat hesitantly: "Director Shen, isn't this a bit unreasonable? Historically, Emperor Jiajing was indeed diligent and hardworking in his early years, but in his later years..."

"Don't be so harsh on our ancestors!"

Shen Shandeng interrupted him, his tone undeniably domineering: "As long as it doesn't ruin the audience's sense of realism, the plot, pacing, and character arcs can all serve the purpose of being 'entertaining' and 'exciting'!"

"The audience buys tickets not to listen to us tell stories of Machiavellianism, but to experience a thoroughly enjoyable entertainment experience!"

Shen Shandeng's gaze swept over everyone present: "If you can't understand this creative concept, then find someone else!"

"Two screenwriters have already left the project due to differences in their vision. I need like-minded colleagues!"

Shen Shandeng spoke frankly and directly.

Having corrected the creative direction of "Jiajing", Shen Shandeng had just returned to his office when his secretary reminded him, "Chairman Han just called."

While wondering what Old Deng wanted, Shen Shandeng returned the call.

The call was quickly connected, and Han Sanping's voice came from the other end: "Shandeng, did I disturb your seclusion?"

Shen Shandeng said, "We just finished the script meeting for 'Jiajing,' and sigh, there are still so many things to think about. Some screenwriters talk a good game, but once they start working, they unconsciously express too many ideas."

Han Sanping praised, "The 'Supervisor' is still bringing in millions every day, and you've already devoted yourself entirely to the new play?"

Shen Shandeng said in a low voice, "Director, the success of a film is only temporary. A director's value lies not in how many records he breaks, but in whether he can consistently produce good works."

Han Sanping, on the other end of the phone, showed a hint of helplessness.

This taste... it's so familiar.

Sure enough, Shen Shandeng said with certainty: "It is not enough for us to just have good works now. We also need to establish an industrial process and creative standards that can be followed by those who come after us and can also be developed and exported."

"The Du Gong is a trial run and a beginning. We need to do more to make up for the cultural gap that has been missing for almost thirty years."

Han Sanping: "."

Ha people!

This left Han Sanping unable to respond to Shen Shandeng's words. It wouldn't have been so bad if he hadn't understood them, but the crucial point was that he did understand them.

Han Sanping smiled and changed the subject: "Tomorrow, 'The Warlords' will have its premiere at the Olympic Sports Center. It's quite a big event. I heard that hundreds of celebrities will be there. It'll be very lively. How about it? Interested in coming and showing your face? Just to relax a bit."

He only touched on the point briefly, without mentioning what additional resources China Film Group would provide or exert any pressure.

The Warlords?
Why didn't you do this earlier? Getting nervous about the movie's release?

Upon hearing this, Shen Shandeng replied without hesitation, "Director, thank you for thinking of me. However, the script for the new play is at a critical stage. I'm working on two fronts, and the team members have many ideas. I have to keep an eye on things, so I really can't spare the time."

Han Sanping didn't press the matter and casually brought up other topics: "I watched that episode of 'Face to Face,' and it was very well said! Especially the 'Three Immortalities,' which was very inspiring! It was a wake-up call! It gave us old guys a vivid lesson."

"Factory Director, you flatter me. I was just speaking the truth. The history left by our ancestors is so rich and profound. I'm just a kid picking up seashells on the beach."

Shen Shandeng modestly replied, "I'd also like to report that preparations for the 'Emperor's Universe' have begun. The three films, 'Jiajing,' 'The Embroidered Universe,' and 'Emperor 2,' will be developed simultaneously. Currently, the project team for 'Jiajing' is fully operational."

"Although it's not as exaggerated as shooting three films in a row, we will leverage the advantages of clustering in script collaboration, sharing of costume, prop and set resources, and post-production to reduce costs and improve efficiency. We will strive to set up the framework of our Du Gong universe as soon as possible."

Han Sanping nodded repeatedly, his smile widening.

While Peter Chan was still fretting over the premiere of "The Warlords," Shen Shandeng had already set his sights on a grand cinematic universe and had taken concrete steps to advance it.

This is the kind of person who truly accomplishes great things, the kind of daring and capable leader he values!
Han Sanping asked calmly, "By the way, you mentioned before that you made a comedy. I heard from Liao Yun that it's about the Spring Festival travel rush and is tentatively titled 'Journey Surprise'."

"I feel like I'm falling behind the way you young people are thinking. 'The Eunuch' just established your reputation as a director of historical action blockbusters, and now you're making low-budget road comedies?"

Shen Shandeng chuckled and said, "Factory Director, I'm just in seclusion to focus on my creative work."

Han Sanping asked with concern, "Taking such big steps? You just finished 'The Eunuch,' and now you have 'The Eunuch Universe.' Can you keep up with the energy?"

"Are you short of money? Do you need China Film Group to help you find some resources? I can put in a good word for Ning Hao or Director Feng's team."

Shen Shandeng's heart tightened. He was planning to keep the "Lost in Thailand" project all to himself!

I plan to eat until my mouth is greasy and my belly is full and fat!
Shen Shandeng can now single-handedly carry a low-to-medium budget comedy.

Shen Shandeng's tone remained unchanged, but his attitude became more humble as he said, "Thank you for your concern, Factory Director. That comedy was just a practice project, a low-budget trial, and I wouldn't dare trouble you with such a large undertaking."

With the concern of an elder for a younger person, Han Sanping inquired, "Tell me about any troubles you have. What kind of comedy are you planning to do? Feng Xiaogang's sketch comedy, Ning Hao's dark humor, or Zhou Xun's nonsensical comedy?"

Shen Shandeng evaded the question, saying, "I mainly have some other ideas; I'm just making a simple attempt." Han Sanping's heart skipped a beat. This project was originally intended to be placed after "The Eunuch," which had already been such a success.

Based on his understanding of Shen Shandeng, the project that Shen Shandeng was preparing to underwrite was definitely not simple.

Han Sanping was prepared to take a bite; he also had performance pressure!

The main thing is to achieve the target ahead of schedule, that would be so awesome!
Han Sanping didn't want to alert Shen Shandeng. He knew Shen Shandeng's personality well and praised, "Haha, good, you have ideas! Young people should be like this!"

"Then you go ahead and get busy. If you need anything, just let me know."

After hanging up the phone, Shen Shandeng felt a sense of urgency.

We've decided to expedite the production of "Lost in Thailand." There's no need for auditions; we'll just invite them directly, cast them as soon as possible, and start filming immediately.

the other side.

Inside a hotel.

The fragrance of tea lingers.

Ma Youde was relaxed, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, exuding an air of authority.

His mission today was very clear: to uncover his true intentions.

Shen Shandeng became interested in Smith, and such interest usually meant that someone was about to suffer.

Marco Müller described his idea with great enthusiasm: "Therefore, I believe that a high-profile, public 'dialogue of masters' should be held at the Beijing Film Academy!"

“The theme could be ‘Chinese film narrative in the context of globalization’.”

Marco Müller's eyes lit up: "It will be jointly managed by Tian Lili and me, and by the boss..."

"Hmm?" Ma Youde interrupted him.

Marco Müller quickly corrected himself: "A dialogue between Director Shen and Paperclip! This is absolutely a momentous event that will go down in the history of Chinese cinema!"

Seeing him speak, Ma Youde nodded. "How dare you call someone 'boss'?"

Instead of rushing to ask for the information he wanted, he slowly asked, "Oh? A dialogue between masters? Which masters are they?"

"Of course it's Director Shen and Paperclip!"

Marco Müller said matter-of-factly, puffing out his chest, "Of course, as a representative of the Venice Film Festival and a bridge between Eastern and Western film arts, I am honored to host this dialogue."

"This will not only enhance the event's international influence, but also greatly elevate the status and artistic standing of Director Shen and the important people around him!"

Ma Youde understood the implication, looked Marco Müller up and down, and chuckled: "Wait a minute, Marco, I'm a little confused. You, the artistic director of Venice, are also concerned about the actors?"

Upon hearing this, Marco Müller showed no embarrassment whatsoever. Instead, he leaned closer and said, "Marco, my dear friend! There's an old Chinese saying that you can't write two 'Ma' characters with one stroke! We're family!"

Marco Müller gave Ma Youde a knowing look.

"Besides, this is absolutely a good thing for Director Shen, a fantastic thing! It demonstrates his strategic vision, eases the situation, and allows him to firmly grasp the power of discourse! He gains both fame and fortune, right?"

Ma Youde was stunned for a moment. He understood the subtle movements on Marco Müller's face. He never expected that a foreigner could have such a uniquely Chinese expression.

Ma Youde suppressed his smile and stared seriously at Marco Müller.

Marco Müller's Adam's apple bobbed.

Facing Shen Shandeng felt like facing a storm head-on, but I never expected to feel a sense of oppression when facing Ma Youde.

Marco Müller lowered his head uncomfortably.

Returning to reality from the smug feeling of being treated like an honored guest these past few days, Shen Shandeng possessed a trump card that could ruin his reputation at any moment.

Damn Americans!

Mark Muller quickly clasped his hands together, his eyes showing a hint of ingratiation: "Dear Mark! Please don't do this!"

“Mr. Marco, you need to understand that you were the one who started the trouble.”

Ma Youde did not humiliate him. He remembered Shen Shandeng's reminder that fear cannot subdue people, only beauty will make people pursue it.

“Mr. Marco, but we consider you a friend now, so you should consider us a friend too.”

Marco Müller assured, "I consider you a friend, we are family, and China and Italy are friendly."

Ma Youde said, "Then you should first tell us what the bottom line is for that Chalperic."

Seeing that he couldn't fool them, Mark Muller carefully chose his words and said, "Mr. Smith and Mr. Chalperrick are very anxious."

"The success of 'The Overseer' exceeded everyone's expectations. It's not just a victory for a film, but more like a manifesto. Many of Mr. Charperrick's previous strategies have been disrupted."

Ma Youde scoffed, "Disrupt? Marco, you're too kind. Our boss calls it crushing."

"Tell me, what's their bottom line right now? Don't try to fob me off with those empty platitudes."

Marco Müller said, "They want to restart the dialogue, any form of dialogue is fine. Any project by Director Shen, whether in Venice, Cannes, or Berlin, will receive the highest level of courtesy and attention."

"They even hinted that they could make unprecedented inclinations in terms of awards and Western media reviews, as long as Director Shen was willing to 'communicate'."

“Exchange?” Ma Youde raised an eyebrow. “You mean incorporation? They’re thinking of pulling us into their system.”

Marco Müller smiled awkwardly, but still advised, "I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing. Giving them hope is also a good thing for Director Shen's development."

Ma Youde said noncommittally, "You just mentioned Smith. What about that Charperic? Wasn't he quite arrogant before?"

Marco Müller never expected that Ma Youde would seize upon such a small flaw.

However, when Chalperic was mentioned, he couldn't help but gloat: "That American Chalperic, he's a bit broken down."

"Director Shen's victory destroyed his sense of cultural superiority."

He complimented, "Director Shen's methods are truly unpredictable."

Mark Müller felt this deeply; he never expected anyone to play the Isaac card.

Ma Youde then asked, "Charperik, what's his background? He doesn't sound like an ordinary bureaucrat."

When asked about Chalperic's background, Mark Müller had no intention of hiding anything.

Without this American, he wouldn't have had to confront Shen Shandeng directly, nor would he have been caught in the vortex of their conflict.

“He comes from an old money family on the East Coast, whose history is said to date back to the Mayflower.”

Muller's tone was complex, a mixture of envy and disdain: "Entrenched in politics, Wall Street, and the Ivy League, they're a typical blue-blooded aristocracy. Just another rotten privileged family!"

He viewed his work as a game, a “skillful psychological manipulation” and a “philosophical practice.”

Muller mimicked that haughty tone: "His core mission is to find or even create a sophisticated 'legitimacy' for the great cultural export, and he is good at planning various cultural events to subvert the traditional cognitive framework and cultural confidence of the target region."

"He believes in 'white supremacy.' Of course, he always spouts nice words like 'universal values,' 'academic freedom,' and 'cultural dialogue.'"

Upon hearing this, Ma Youde was greatly shocked. His boss was simply amazing!
(End of this chapter)