HuaYu: A Great Director Starting with Dream of the Red Chamber

Li Yan took out a prepared script outline from his bag and pushed it in front of Jiang Zhiqiang:

"The film is a legal thriller with a family theme. The title is 'Silent Witness.' You can check out the synopsis first."

Jiang Zhiqiang took the outline and took out his reading glasses from his pocket and put them on.

He had only glanced at it politely.

As he watched, his movements slowed down, his brows furrowed slightly, and then slowly relaxed.

A seasoned producer can get a general idea of ​​a script just by looking at it.

Not to mention a big shot like him who has managed so many films.

He could tell that this was a very mature, very commercial, and even very "Hollywood" script.

The structure is innovative, with suspense hooks and emotional moments, clearly targeting the audience's emotions.

Moreover, setting the story in Hong Kong helps to circumvent censorship in mainland China, demonstrating that every aspect has been carefully considered.

Jiang Zhiqiang took off his glasses, looked up, and asked directly:

"The script is good, the structure is solid, and as long as the execution goes smoothly, the box office is guaranteed. What do you want? Investment? Or distribution?"

"Neither."

Li Yan shook his head, revealing some information to him to increase his persuasiveness:

"The funding is all in place. Mr. Lu from Starlight Entertainment is investing the entire amount. As for distribution, I'd like to wait until the film is almost finished and see how it turns out before making any decisions."

"I'm looking for you because I need your help with setting up the plates and finding actors."

Jiang Zhiqiang was stunned for a moment, then laughed.

This kid is no simpleton; he's much smarter than he imagined.

He doesn't lack money; he just doesn't want to give up too much of his share. By not seeking an issuer, he's waiting for a higher price to sell.

Looking for actors? Hong Kong is his territory, and Edko Films has top-notch connections in the Hong Kong entertainment circle.

But why would he help with this?!

He's the leader in the Hong Kong entertainment industry's move north. To put it bluntly, putting Hong Kong stars in mainland films is his duty, besides making money.

Jiang Zhiqiang asked noncommittally, "Who are you looking for?"

Without hesitation, Li Yan first gave the name he had used to deceive Lu Zheng, not for any other reason than that it was expensive:

"I'd like to invite Chow Yun-fat?"

"Chow Yun-fat?"

Even Jiang Zhiqiang, with his vast experience and knowledge, was taken aback by his outlandish idea.

"Director Li... do you know Chow Yun-fat's current market value?"

"The film 'Confucius' just approached him, and his asking price is close to HK$5000 million, plus global profit sharing. If a new director like you wants to hire him, the price will only be higher, and even if you offer him the money, he might not accept the job..."

He shook his head and continued speaking to Li Yan:

"Moreover, his requirements for the crew are Hollywood-level, with an 8-hour workday, starting from when they leave home! He also wants a luxury RV and a personal chef..."

"Excuse me for being blunt, but if you hire Chow Yun-fat, his salary alone would be enough for you to make two movies. Even if Boss Lu is rich, he can't make that kind of deal."

Li Yan knew, of course, that he was expensive; if he weren't, he wouldn't have used that to his advantage.

But no one expected him to ask for six or seven million US dollars. At that price, Li Yan could hire Anthony Hopkins to make a movie. Who would hire him?

However, his mention of Chow Yun-fat was precisely to aim high and achieve something worthwhile.

So Li Yan sighed regretfully:

"Chow Yun-fat is indeed a bit pricey..."

"What if... I want a good actor who can command the screen in a movie? Preferably from Hong Kong, someone with box office appeal. I'd like to finalize Lin Tai's casting first."

Jiang Zhiqiang pondered for a moment, quickly going through the names of the people in his mind.

Liu Qingyun, Ren Dahua, Liang Jiahui...

Thinking of this, he blurted out:

"Liang Jiahui".

"Brother Hui?"

Li Yan smiled slightly. This was originally his preferred candidate: Wu Zhenyu if he had no money, Liang Jiahui if he did!

"Yes, Liang Jiahui."

Jiang Zhiqiang thought about it more and more and felt it was appropriate:

"He has a wide range as an actor, capable of playing both righteous and villainous roles, which makes him a good fit for the role of Lin Tai's father. Moreover, he just finished filming 'Detective Dee,' and his salary is reasonable, around two to three million Hong Kong dollars. If your script can impress him, this deal can be made."

"Two or three million..."

Li Yan made a decision in his mind.

The price for this "chameleon actor" is incredibly high value for money. His acting skills are beyond question, and casting him as Lin Tai immediately lays a solid foundation for the film.

Therefore, he made a decisive statement:

"Alright! Then I'll trouble Boss Jiang to help make the connection."

"No problem, I still have that kind of face."

Jiang Zhiqiang readily agreed; it was just a small favor for him, and he could also do someone a favor in the process.

Seeing this, Li Yan pressed his advantage, saying with a smile:

"There's another character, the driver who's a bit twisted and neurotic, but extremely loyal?"

Jiang Zhiqiang smiled and pointed at Li Yan:

"You'd planned this all along, hadn't you? Neurotic? Who else but Wu Zhenyu could it be?"

"His self-directed film 'Chasing the Shadow' this year lost a lot of money. His son Feynman is only one year old, so he's working hard to earn money for baby formula. He's even taking on supporting roles now, and they're not expensive. And he's paired with Jia Hui... tsk tsk, something's going to happen!"

Liang Jiahui plus Wu Zhenyu.

This lineup...

We need to find another male lead from mainland China; we have to go through the co-production route.

Moreover, with these two award-winning actors, it wouldn't be difficult to invite good male actors from mainland China.

After saying all that, Jiang Zhiqiang suddenly asked:

"The prosecutor goes without saying, but what about the female lawyer? Who are you planning to use? Jing Tian? Or your little girlfriend, Naza?"

Li Yan didn't explain the relationship with Na Zha, and simply shook his head and said:

"They're not good enough, too inexperienced. Jing Tian plays the rich second-generation daughter, while Nazha is still in school. She can't handle this role."

"Oh, you're quite sober."

Jiang Zhiqiang was somewhat surprised.

Young directors often become arrogant after achieving some success, especially when it comes to casting, where they tend to favor nepotism.

Moreover, in his view, Li Yan would not have brought Nazar to Venice if she were not "someone close to him".

Furthermore, everyone knows that Lulu is heavily promoting Jing Tian, ​​yet Jing Tian isn't even playing the female lead in the movie he invested in? This has made Jiang Zhiqiang think even more highly of Li Yan.

"Do you have anyone in mind?"

Li Yan didn't quite understand Jiang Zhiqiang's meaning, wondering if he had a female star he wanted to promote. After thinking for a moment, he tentatively asked:

"The ones I want are either too expensive or unavailable. Mr. Jiang, do you have any recommendations?"

Jiang Zhiqiang tapped the table lightly, remained silent for a moment, and then said a name:

"Fan Bingbing".

"Who?" Li Yan was taken aback.

"Fan Bingbing".

Jiang Zhiqiang repeated it, then smiled meaningfully:

"Her studio has only been open for a year and is still in a transitional period. She needs word-of-mouth to prove her box office success and acting skills, and also..."

"In terms of generating buzz, commercial value, and stunning beauty, is there any mainland Chinese actress more suitable than her?"

Fan Bingbing...

The first thing that came to Li Yan's mind was the phrase "outstanding beauty among all women".

Indeed, she's currently experiencing a period of intense online buzz, generating a lot of discussion, but her acting skills are constantly being ridiculed.

If she were cast as this shrewd, capable, and powerful female lawyer, not only would her image be believable, but her scenes with Leung Ka-fai alone would be enough to generate media buzz.

In terms of popularity, even the current "Four Little Actresses" combined can't match her popularity alone.

"Boss Jiang, your insight is brilliant!"

Li Yan gave a heartfelt thumbs up: "But what about Fan Bingbing..."

"I'll contact them."

Jiang Zhiqiang said confidently:

"I have some connections with Mu Xiaoguang. Besides, as long as I tell her it's the new film by the Venice award-winning director, and the co-star is Liang Jiahui, she's smart enough not to refuse."

……

On the way back to the hotel, Li Yan's steps were exceptionally light.

As for why Jiang Zhiqiang agreed so readily, it was simply for the sake of market share and issuance.

With the business amassed to this extent, making money is practically a done deal.

In business, whoever makes the money doesn't really make a profit.

Moreover, without the Venice trophy and Katz, he wouldn't even have been able to meet Jiang Zhiqiang.

Not to mention having this person personally go out of their way to invite a few big shots.

Li Yan was fully aware of this and was happy to see it happen.

Back in the hotel room, the three people were gathered around the computer, laughing so hard they were doubled over, like it was New Year's Day.

"Junior brother! You're finally back!"

Zhang Qiang waved excitedly, looking like a smug little devil:

"Look, this is hilarious! Someone said Guan Hu bought a standing-room-only ticket back to China last night because he was afraid of being on the same flight as us! Hahaha, let him pretend!"

Ding Xiaoxiao also leaned over with her phone: "Director, the data on Youku is off the charts too! We've made a killing this time!"

Li Yan walked over with a smile, clapped his hands, and interrupted the group's excitement:

"Alright, that's enough! Pack your things and get ready to book your tickets back home."

"Oh? You're back already?"

Naza hadn't had enough fun yet, and when she heard it was time to leave, her little face fell, and she muttered:

"I haven't ridden a gondola yet, and I haven't gone to St. Mark's Square to feed the pigeons..."

"Why are you feeding pigeons? Are you Tony Leung?!"

Li Yan tapped Na Zha's head, then announced with great pride:

"We're back in China because we have something important to do!"

"Liang Jiahui, Wu Zhenyu, Fan Bingbing..."

"Is this cast big enough for our debut film?!"

The room fell silent for a moment.

Three mouths slowly opened wide.

next second.

"ah!!!"