This director is so innocent.

Chapter 77: Dissatisfaction

Nothing in this world is absolute; there are also exceptional geniuses.

Take Quentin Tarantino, for example. He came from a completely unorthodox background and knew absolutely nothing about photography, yet he still managed to create a personal style that was absolutely masterful.

By the way, Zhang Yimou worked as a cinematographer for Xiaodaren twice before, but the two had a falling out during the filming of "The Big Parade".

Later, when facing reporters, Xiao Daren said, "I have never looked down on those who come from humble backgrounds."

The meaning of this is quite clear, isn't it?

Zhang Yimou comes from a working-class background, while Xiao Daren comes from a privileged background.

Su Jin returned to her residence, took a shower, and went to sleep.

His room had been renovated by the film crew; it had air conditioning, a water heater, cement flooring, whitewashed walls, and new bed and blankets.

Of course, the renovation was done with the original owner's consent.

They were very happy and said they didn't want any money, as long as they didn't ask them for money for the renovation.

The next day, the sun shone brightly.

The crew loaded their belongings onto a large truck and headed back to Beijing. The production assistant cleaned the rented room and then left.

As for the air conditioners and electric heaters, they were given to the original owner, and the same was true for the appliances in Su Jin's house.

Anyway, these appliances were second-hand when I bought them, and they weren't worth much. It would be troublesome to take them back anyway, so I just gave them all away.

Homeowners who were hesitant to rent out their properties for fear of vandalism were now filled with regret after hearing that appliances were being given away for free.

It was still very cold in Beijing in mid-January.

After Su Jin returned to Beijing, she handed over all the filming materials for "The Coffin in the Mountain" to Du Yuan's studio.

This was arranged long ago.

Du Yuan was previously an editor at Xi'an Film Studio and also Zhang Yimou's former go-to editor.

Why do we say "before"?

Because Zhang Yimou's films before "Hero" were mostly edited by her, but not after that.

She also edited Ning Hao's films "Stone", "Racing", and "No Man's Land".

Du Yuan has a very open style. She understands multi-narrative and is willing to try it. Perhaps this is why she was able to become a national first-class editor!

"Yes, they are divided into three groups of people."

"The use of flashbacks and interludes in the middle can be referenced from Nolan's 'Memento' in terms of style."

"...Thank you for your help, Professor Du Yuan."

After explaining the key points of the film, Su Jin left.

He doesn't know anything about editing, so staying here is a waste of his time. He can just come back and check on things regularly to prevent them from editing incorrectly.

After leaving, Su Jin did not return to the company, but went directly to China Film Group.

As the largest investor in "The Coffin in the Mountain," China Film Group has finished filming, and it's time to report the situation to Zuo Shandiao.

Although Zuo Shandiao would most likely know about the filming, as the director, it would still be necessary for him to report it.

This could also help him get closer to Zuo Shandiao.

Half an hour later, we arrived at China Film Group and followed the receptionist into the office of Zuo Shandiao.

Han Sanping looked Su Jin up and down and joked, "You look like you're filming in the countryside! You even seem to have gained a little weight."

"Really? I think I've lost a lot of weight."

"Third Master, you haven't been to the set, you don't know how harsh the environment was! To fully immerse myself in filming, I didn't even stay in a hotel, I lived in the countryside with the crew..."

Su Jin poured out her grievances, almost describing herself as having gone to remote and impoverished areas to film.

"Alright, stop joking around." Han Sanping interrupted Su Jin with a smile. He knew everything about the conditions on set and the filming progress. Someone would report to him every now and then.

Su Jin chuckled, not at all afraid that Zuo Shandiao would blame him.

The bandit leader Zuo Shandiao, who had risen to such a position, would never have cared about such trivial matters. All he cared about was the box office.

This is related to whether he can be officially hired next year.

Of course, this doesn't mean that the key to his official appointment was "The Coffin in the Mountain," but rather that his requirement for new directors is to make good films and not mess things up.

Han Sanping picked up a cigarette from the table, offered one to Su Jin, and asked, "How long will it take to complete the post-production of 'The Coffin in the Heart'?"

"If nothing unexpected happens, it should be completed in three or four months." Su Jin took the cigarette and noticed that it had no name on it and was as white as snow, so it should be a special-supply cigarette.

"What about the release date? Have you considered it? Which release date are you planning to use?"

"Summer movie season."

"Aren't you considering the other two slots?"

"Not considering it."

Han Sanping nodded without saying much; he felt the summer movie season was promising.

The other two slots are too competitive and not suitable for a newcomer like Su Jin.

Su Jin took a script out of her bag and handed it to Han Sanping, saying, "Third Master, please take a look at this script."

"A Sheep Without a Shepherd?" Han Sanping took the script, but instead of opening it, he looked up and asked, "Is this 'A Sheep Without a Shepherd' the new film by Ning Hao that caused such a stir before?"

"right."

Didn't I already say that?

Media reporters are paying close attention to Ning Hao's new film.

After casting began for "Sheep Without a Shepherd," they received the news, reported it, and it garnered considerable attention.

Seeing Su Jin nod, Han Sanping smiled and said, "You haven't contacted me for so long, I thought you had already secured investment!"

Upon hearing this, Su Jin's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly replied, "How could that be, Third Master? If I hadn't gone to film a movie, I would have brought the script to you as soon as it was finished."

Han Sanping smiled, then opened the script and began to read.

Seeing this, Su Jin breathed a sigh of relief.

The meaning behind what Zuo Shandiao just said is not simple.

He wasn't joking; he was expressing his dissatisfaction, saying that I've become too independent and don't even bother him with good scripts anymore.

A dozen minutes later, Han Sanping finished reading the script, looked up, and said, "The script is good. What's the total production cost? How much funding are we short?"

"The total cost is 1700 million, and we are still short 500 million."

"Okay, I'll invest the 500 million."

"Then thank you, Third Master."

After chatting for a few more minutes, Su Jin left.

As soon as I got downstairs, my phone rang. I took it out and saw the words "Da Mi Mi" on the screen.

He pressed the answer button, and before he could even speak, he heard a voice coming from the microphone.

"Su Jin, you've returned to the capital?"

"Um."

"Are you free tonight? Let's go out for dinner!"

"I'm busy."

"No time? What do you need?"

"You're too late, someone already has an appointment with me."