Nobody knows movies better than me

Chapter 140 filming begins!

After the actors got to know each other, the official launch event for "Run, Dad!" was held, attended by Zhang Jun, Cheng Long, and several young actors.

The news about this film had already attracted media attention when it was first announced.

The collaboration between Zhang Jun and Cheng Long seems to generate a lot of buzz and is sure to be a highlight.

However, the media reporters present at the scene were abuzz when they saw the movie title announced on the poster, because the title didn't seem like the kind of action movie Jackie Chan was good at.

The young actors were very nervous at that moment. It was their first time facing so many media outlets, and the huge crowd below the stage made them feel flustered.

Zhang Zilin is alright; after all, she has been through some big events, so she remained calm.

Facing the other nervous people, she whispered, "Let me tell you a method: just treat the reporters in the audience like cabbages."

Zhang Lanxin thought it made sense, so she started chanting: "The audience is full of cabbages, the audience is full of cabbages, the audience is full of cabbages————"

The microphone was left on during the staff's test, so Zhang Lanxin's whispered words were transmitted through the microphone.

The media reporters in the audience kept hearing the phrase "The audience is full of cabbages," so everyone's attention was focused on the stage.

Zhang Lanxin realized that the microphone was still on and her voice was being heard. Seeing everyone looking at her strangely, she blushed deeply.

"Hahahaha—" Everyone couldn't help but laugh.

Surprisingly, after this incident, the young actors weren't so nervous anymore. Except for Zhang Lanxin, who was not only nervous but also embarrassed.

This little incident passed quickly, and the press conference began immediately.

Zhang Jun explained the origin of the film title "Run, Dad!": "Because next year is the Olympics, I thought of making a sports-themed film as a gift to the Olympics."

This story tells of a father who trains his daughters to become athletes.

Jackie Chan came to mind naturally during the story's creation process; I felt he was perfect for the role.

Jackie Chan also said, "At first, I wanted to refuse when I heard that it wasn't a kung fu film that I was familiar with, but Jun Zai attracted me with a solid script."

This story is so captivating, I feel like I want to be a part of it.

The two of them were making it clear to everyone that they were just there to ride the coattails of the Olympics. However, saying they were there as a tribute to the Olympics would be a more accurate description.

A reporter asked, "Brother Jackie Chan, this time you're playing a father. How does this role differ from your previous roles?"

Jackie Chan's answer was very humorous: "The biggest difference is that he doesn't know kung fu!"

The reporters in the audience burst into laughter upon hearing this answer.

Jackie Chan continued, "In the past, I mostly played roles such as police officers, heroes, and kung fu masters. But this time, the character is actually an ordinary person."

Jun told me that he chose me because I could portray the ordinary qualities of the character.

Zhang Jun chimed in, "Of course, it's also because of Jackie Chan's high national recognition. I wanted to use an actor with high national recognition to bring a sense of familiarity to the audience."

The next question is for several young actors. As we all know, Zhang Jun's dramas can make people famous, and these people are all rising stars.

A reporter posed the question to Wang Zhi: "As one of the leading actresses, what are your feelings about working with director Zhang Jun and Jackie Chan for the first time?"

Wang Zhi took the microphone and took a deep breath: "To be honest, I'm still a little dazed. When I received the audition notice, I thought it was a scam call."

After it was confirmed to be true, I couldn't sleep all night.

Good-natured laughter rang out from the audience.

"I have a background in martial arts and always thought I might play a female fighter, but I never thought I would play an athlete one day."

When Director Zhang had me audition, I ran several laps. At the time, I thought he was testing my physical fitness, but later I found out he was testing my running form.

Zhang Jun interjected, "Wang Zhi has a very good foundation, with martial arts skills. Her running posture is graceful, which matches my imagination of my eldest daughter."

Zhang Lanxin, still feeling awkward, was clearly taken aback when the microphone was handed to her.

When asked about her experience working with Zhang Jun, she hesitated for a long time before finally saying, "Right now, I just want to find a crack in the ground to crawl into."

The audience burst into laughter again.

Zhang Jun smiled and defused the situation: "Lan Xin's little interlude was quite good; it immediately livened up the atmosphere. What I need are real actors, not perfect tools."

Her ability to make people laugh shows she has that potential.

Zhang Lanxin glanced at Zhang Jun gratefully, her emotions calming down considerably.

Sun Yizhou appeared cautious when asked a question: "I feel a lot of pressure. I'm playing the younger version of Jackie Chan's character, which sounds..."

It's an impossible task.

Director Zhang told me that I didn't need to look like him, but I needed to capture his spirit.

So I've been observing Brother Cheng Long all this time. I've made a mental note of how he walks, talks, and even the little things he does when he drinks water.

Jackie Chan nodded in agreement: "This young man is very hardworking. He stares at me every day on set. Sometimes I even wonder if he has a crush on me."

The audience burst into laughter, and Sun Yizhou waved his hands repeatedly.

After the press conference, the topic quickly became the top story in the entertainment section.

"Zhang Juncheng and Long Collaboration", "Run, Dad!" and "Zhang Lanxin's Cabbage" became trending topics, generating initial buzz for the film.

In early October, in Kunming, Zhang Jun returned to his hometown with his film crew. This was a filming location for one of his movies.

Zhang Yuncheng and Yao Xia received a call from their son in advance, saying that he would be filming in Chuncheng. The elderly couple cleaned their house early and waited for their son to come back.

On the day filming began, the elderly couple made a special trip to the set.

When they arrived, Zhang Jun was standing behind the monitor, discussing the camera position for the first shot with cinematographer Li Dahui. Zhou

Dozens of people were busy working around the area. The lighting crew was setting up lights, the stagehands were cleaning the set, and the actors were warming up in a corner.

Yao Xia looked at her son from afar, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

"Our son has really become a director," she whispered to Zhang Yuncheng.

Zhang Yuncheng snorted: "Nonsense, several movies have already been made, and you're only just realizing it now?"

"That's different. Is watching a movie the same as seeing him on set?"

Yao Xia glared at her husband: "Look at him, so imposing."

Zhang Jun turned his head and saw his parents standing on the outside. He quickly waved to the stage manager to bring them in.

"Dad, Mom, why are you here so early?"

Zhang Jun walked over: "Didn't you say you'd be free to come over this afternoon?"

Yao Xia looked her son up and down: "Your dad and I couldn't wait, so we came over after breakfast. Hope it doesn't interfere with your work?"

"It won't cause any trouble. It's a good opportunity for you two to see what your son does all day."

Zhang Jun laughed and said, "Brother Cheng Long is also in a show today. I'll introduce you to him later."

Yao Xia's eyes lit up when she heard Cheng Long's name: "Really, I can meet Cheng Long?"

"Yes, we can have him take a picture with you later."

Zhang Yuncheng muttered from the side, "How old is she to still be chasing after celebrities?"

Yao Xia ignored him and pulled Zhang Jun aside to ask him all sorts of questions. She asked if the crew's boxed lunches were good, where they would sleep at night, and whether he knew that it was cool in the mornings and evenings in Kunming this season and if he should wear more clothes.

Zhang Jun nodded in agreement, feeling a warm glow inside. No matter how successful he was outside, in his parents' eyes he would always be the child they needed to worry about.

The first scene of the morning was a segment where young Li Dashan (played by Sun Yizhou) participated in a provincial long-distance running competition. The crew filmed at the Chuncheng Stadium, with hundreds of extras in the stands.

Sun Yizhou, wearing a sports vest and shorts, warmed up on the track. Although it was October, the sun in Kunming was still quite strong, and sweat was already beading on his forehead.

Zhang Jun walked over: "Nervous?"

Sun Yizhou nodded honestly: "A little. This scene requires me to run 1,500 meters, and I'm afraid I'll mess up my facial expressions after I finish."

"It's okay, just keep running, leave your expressions to the camera."

Zhang Jun patted him on the shoulder: "Remember, Li Dashan was a passionate young man at that time, and he wanted to change his destiny through running."

To reach the finish line, you need an indomitable spirit.

Sun Yizhou listened attentively, silently going over it in his mind.

Zhang Jun returned behind the monitor and picked up the walkie-talkie: "All departments, prepare. Scene 1, shot 1, action!"

Gunshots rang out, and Sun Yizhou and several other actors rushed out.

On the track, Sun Yizhou controlled his rhythm very well. Although he is an actor, he had trained for a period of time beforehand, and his running was quite impressive.

The camera followed him, capturing the changing expressions on his face. From his focus at the start, to his fatigue in the middle, and finally to his gritted teeth and perseverance in the final sprint.

Zhang Jun stared at the monitor, occasionally adjusting the camera position via walkie-talkie.

"Give a close-up of Unit 2, yes, right now, his clenched teeth expression."

"Unit 3, prepare to sprint."

After finishing the 1,500-meter race, Sun Yizhou bent over, panting heavily, sweat dripping onto the track.

This isn't acting; I'm genuinely exhausted.

"Click! This one's passed!"

Zhang Jun stood up and applauded: "Sun Yizhou is good, he's in great form."

Sun Yizhou, supporting himself on his knees, gave Zhang Jun a thumbs-up, speechless.

Watching from the side, Yao Xia felt sorry for the child: "This child must be so tired from running around. Do you all work this hard while filming?"

Zhang Jun smiled and said, "Mom, this is just the beginning. There's more to come."

Before Yao Xia could say anything more, Zhang Yuncheng tugged at her sleeve: "Don't disturb your son's work."

As they were talking, Cheng Long walked over from the rest area.

"Junzai,"

Cheng Long waved from afar, asking, "Who are these two?"

Zhang Jun quickly introduced, "This is my dad, this is my mom. Mom and Dad, this is Brother Cheng Long."

Yao Xia was so excited she didn't know what to say, but Zhang Yuncheng remained calm and extended his hand: "Mr. Cheng, I've long admired your name."

Cheng Long grasped Zhang Yuncheng's hand: "You've raised a good son, young and promising."

Zhang Yuncheng smiled and said, "He's the one who's determined; we didn't help him much."

Yao Xia finally found an opportunity: "Mr. Cheng, could we take a photo together?"

"sure."

Cheng Long obediently stood next to Yao Xia, and Zhang Jun took the camera and took a photo of the two of them together.

After taking the photos, Jackie Chan said to Zhang Jun, "I looked at that shot just now, and he ran quite well, but the scenes with his daughter later will be even more difficult to film."

Zhang Jun nodded: "We arranged for them to train beforehand, and they will continue to train during filming. Wang Zhi and the others will all participate."

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Jackie Chan nodded in satisfaction: "Your approach to filming is different from the directors I've met in Hong Kong. They prefer to teach on the spot, but you prepare in advance."

"We were forced into it."

Zhang Jun laughed and said, "With a limited budget, there's no time to waste."

The afternoon scenes were filmed indoors, focusing on the interaction between Li Dashan and his coach (played by Liu Hua).

Liu Hua, dressed in old-fashioned sportswear, wearing a whistle and holding a stopwatch, looked every bit the sports school coach.

This scene depicts Li Dashan being reprimanded by the coach after joining the provincial team. Liu Hua has few lines, but his presence is strong, and he overwhelms Sun Yizhou with just a few words.

Sun Yizhou's reaction was also spot-on; he perfectly captured the expression of wanting to argue but not daring to when facing a strict coach, and having to suppress his emotions.

It was just right.

"Click!"

Zhang Jun called out, "Teacher Liu, your gaze just now was excellent. It was the kind of look that makes me wonder how many days you can hold out."

Liu Hua laughed and said, "I really had a coach like that when I was a kid, and I still remember his look."

Sun Yizhou wiped his sweat from the side and said, "Teacher Liu, your aura is so strong, I almost didn't dare to speak just now."

"That's exactly the effect I wanted."

Zhang Jun said, "Li Dashan was a newcomer at this time, and he should have a sense of awe when facing authority."

After filming this scene, it was getting late. Zhang Jun announced that filming was over and they would continue tomorrow.

Yao Xia and Zhang Yuncheng were getting ready to go home. Before leaving, Yao Xia held Zhang Jun's hand and said, "Son, do a good job. Mom thinks you're doing a great job."

Zhang Jun smiled and said, "Mom, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Zhang Yuncheng patted his son on the shoulder: "Take care of yourself, don't overwork yourself."

After the elderly couple left, Zhang Jun returned to the monitor and discussed tomorrow's shooting plan with cinematographer Li Dahui and lighting technician Wang Guoqiang.

The filming proceeded smoothly over the next few days.

The young actors film during the day, do physical training in the afternoon, and read the script together in the evening. They are all exhausted, but no one complains.

Zhang Lanxin suffered a leg cramp after a training session, but she gritted her teeth and persevered until the end before anyone noticed. When Zhang Jun found out, he specially arranged for a masseuse to be provided to help the actress relax after training each day.

Wang Zhi's martial arts background was evident in her running training. She has strong core strength and a stable running posture. Jackie Chan praised her, saying she was "born for this."

Zhang Zilin has good physical coordination and has made significant progress after a few weeks of training.

Needless to say, Sun Yizhou was always the first to arrive at the training ground and the last to leave. He added strength training to his routine, saying he wanted to sculpt his physique to resemble that of an athlete.

Looking at the young people's attitude, Zhang Jun understood. If the actors are willing to work hard, the success of the performance is already halfway there.

In late October, the crew moved to the training base of the Yunnan Provincial Sports Team to film training scenes of the daughters during their teenage and youth years.

Four young actors from the junior group—Meng Ziyi, Zhang Xueying, Chen Xi, and Xu Ran—have also joined the production. They will film training scenes at the base for a week, after which the adult group will take over.

Meng Ziyi and Zhang Jun are no longer so reserved when working together, and although Zhang Xueying is young, she is a child star and has a great sense of the camera.

The two amateur child actors were a little nervous at first, but they relaxed after filming for two days.

On the training field of the sports team, four young actors, dressed in sportswear, practiced running movements under the guidance of a professional coach. Zhang Jun demanded authenticity, so these child actors were genuinely training; it wasn't staged.

After running three laps, Chen Xi was so tired that she sat down on the ground. Xu Ran went over to help her up and said, "Get up and run one more lap."

Chen Xi gasped for breath, "I can't run anymore."

Xu Ran pulled her along: "Brother Zhang Jun said, perseverance leads to victory."

Zhang Jun heard this from a distance and laughed. These kids actually have a good team spirit.

The adult cast members, Wang Zhi, Zhang Lanxin, Jiang Luxia, and Zhang Zilin, watched from the sidelines, discussing the characters' teenage years and figuring out how to connect them to the earlier scenes.

Jackie Chan would come to the set whenever he had free time, and he became familiar with the child actors, often teasing them. Meng Ziyi was bold and dared to joke with Jackie Chan, while Zhang Xueying was more reserved, always smiling with her lips pursed.

Days passed by, and the filming progressed more smoothly than expected.

In mid-to-late October, the filming of the junior group's scenes wrapped up, and the adult group took over, entering the most arduous training and competition scenes.

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