Huayu: A Commercial Director

Chapter 278 Inviting Old Wang
With Wuershan joining the project, casting was now under Chen Shouzhe's control. Upon hearing Chen Shouzhe's plan, Wuershan found it somewhat unbelievable.

Chen Shouzhe planned not to use too many big-name actors; apart from the main characters and important supporting roles, the rest would be stereotypical.

“If you’re going to choose like that, you might as well use actors from TV dramas; they’re more popular with audiences,” Wuershan said.

"You and I are thinking the same thing."

Chen Shouzhe pulled out a drawer and took out a stack of personal files for him.

When Wuershan opened the package, he discovered that the actors were indeed the same ones cast for the Journey to the West TV series. Chen Shou had reserved them in advance and even called to inquire about their availability.

TV dramas are, after all, based on sentimentality, so it's inevitable that people will compare them to movies and TV dramas.

In Chen Shouzhe's world, Journey to the West has been an IP that has been developed countless times. Some of those movies are good and some are bad, but in Chen Shouzhe's opinion, they are all poorly made, especially the few Journey to the West movies made in Hong Kong, which can only be described as garbage.

Of course, the TV series is still quite good. I watched Zhang Weijian's version of Chen Shou with great interest when I was a child. He has a unique interpretation and added a romantic subplot.

As for A Chinese Odyssey, it was initially criticized, but it became a classic over time.

Chen Shouzhe's request was not for change, but simply to follow the established procedures and present the audience with a visual feast.

There's no need to overthink it or make too many changes. Just follow the plot: from the birth of the Monkey King, his journey east to become a disciple, borrowing treasures from the Dragon Palace, causing havoc in the underworld, becoming an official in heaven, and causing havoc in the Heavenly Palace.

"Is the actor playing the monkey also the lead in the TV series?" Wuershan asked curiously.

"No, the TV series romanticized Sun Wukong's image. In the movie, I still want the audience to see a more realistic visual impact," Chen Shou said.

Urzhan's eyes lit up; he thought the same thing. Although the cost would be high, the resulting film quality would be excellent and truly stunning.

The two constantly discussed the filming methods. Chen Shou realized that he couldn't supervise the project the whole time, so he would have to let Wu Ershan oversee it, including the post-production aspects, which the two would complete together.

To keep a low profile, the celebration banquet for the Jingjue Ancient City was held in a very small capacity. Only the two production companies invited the actors and behind-the-scenes staff to have a meal. Then Chen Shouzhe gave everyone a red envelope. In addition to his share of the box office revenue, Chen Shouzhe also gave Wuershan an extra red envelope.

"What did your dad say?"

At the celebration banquet, Chen Shouzhe and Xiao Wang were in a corner. Xiao Wang brought his girlfriend, and it has to be said that all of his girlfriends were stunningly beautiful, and none of them were from the entertainment industry.

"Let's set a time. I didn't expect you to have such a big appetite. My dad said we can talk." Xiao Wang nodded.

I'm free these next few days.

"Then let's do it tomorrow. My dad happens to be in the capital tomorrow."

"it is good."

"How much money do you have right now?" Xiao Wang couldn't help but ask Chen Shouzhe.

"Don't worry about how much money I have, buying 20% ​​is no problem," Chen Shouzhe waved his hand.

"Damn, 20%? You're making that much?" Xiao Wang cursed immediately upon hearing this. Although Wanda Pictures was currently suspended from trading, its approximate market value was still clear.

"It's not like I haven't helped you guys make money," Chen Shou said irritably, glancing at him.

"That's why my dad agreed to see you," Xiao Wang said with a smile.

"I have been working with Wanda for so many years, and I have never let Wanda suffer any losses."

"Brothers are remembered."

"Get lost! Get to the point." Seeing Chen Shou and Xiao Wang talking, no one else came over, so no one knew what they were talking about. However, the girl he brought kept asking for autographs in the crowd.

After all, there were quite a few A-list actors attending the celebration banquet, some of whom came uninvited.

Chen Shouzhe knew their purpose; it was all because of Journey to the West, which had now become the most prestigious prize in the industry.

Although it didn't generate the same level of hype as Alibaba, it still made countless actors hope to have their own place and get a piece of this big pie.

Because of the subject matter, the film had to keep a low profile. Among the crowd were people from Tencent Pictures who came to attend the celebration banquet and were exchanging ideas with Wuershan.

Both parties decided to jointly develop the IP, and the movies, TV series, and even variety shows developed in the future will be released on Tencent Video.

As a film director, Tencent hopes that Wuershan can direct a web movie.

Wuershan was surprised that Tencent wanted him to direct a web movie, and he was reluctant, after all, he was already a successful director.

How could you drive in reverse?

However, it must be said that there is one characteristic of internet companies that has attracted Urshan's attention.

After finishing his private chat with Xiao Wang, Wuershan came over with a cup and told Chen Shou about what had just happened.

"So many? No wonder you're such a big spender, I'm tempted myself, hahaha." Chen Shou laughed heartily after hearing this.

“Yes, I’m tempted, but I haven’t agreed yet,” Ursan said.

“If you have time, you can give it a try. There’s nothing wrong with it. The main thing is to use your fame to start making long-form videos,” Chen Shou said.

“I think so too, but we’re busy preparing for Journey to the West right now, so we might not have that much time. Besides, Yunnan Insect Valley is going to be released at the end of March, and there’s still promotional work after the New Year. I’ll also have to join the crew to film Journey to the West with you then,” Wuershan said.

"Hmm, think it over yourself. I won't restrict your freedom. Why not make money off this rich guy?"

The filming fee paid by Tencent was quite substantial, and Wuershan certainly deserved to receive that money.

The company will also get a share of the profits. It's true that the film studio doesn't have an artist department, but they do have director contracts.

Guo Fan, Wu Ershan, and Huang Bo all have director contracts and are tied to Shou Zhe Film Industry. Otherwise, if a situation like Feng Xiaogang's occurs, who can they complain to?

A capable director either has the support of large capital or is themselves a source of capital.

The celebration banquet ended quietly and wasn't even mentioned in the media. It was very low-key, which is necessary before the release of "Insect Valley in Yunnan". There probably won't be any promotional materials.

All previously planned publicity and promotional activities have been halted; we can't proceed with a high profile. We'll have to wait until after the movie is over.

The next day, Chen Shou met Xiao Wang at a restaurant. He didn't bring anyone else with him and went to a very private restaurant, which was said to be owned by a lady with a certain background.

Xiao Wang's grandfather also came from a poor background; he belonged to that circle, but his family didn't work within the system; instead, they went into business.

So finding a restaurant like this is entirely due to connections within the social circle.

I don't care about the food; the main thing is the privacy and the environment. The waitresses are all model-like, wearing cheongsams and all over 1.7 meters tall. They would be considered campus beauties at the Beijing Film Academy.

"Chairman Wang!"

Chen Shouzhe was surprised to find that Lao Wang and Xiao Wang were already waiting for him. This wasn't the first time he had met Lao Wang; they had met several times before at various parties in Wanda. As a partner, Chen Shouzhe had brought a lot of profits to Wanda, and Lao Wang had invited him to banquets many times. Today's meal was also paid for by Lao Wang.

(End of this chapter)