This director only directs blockbusters.

There were already four or five cigarette butts piled up in the ashtray.

Yang Ning sat at the hotel desk, staring at the sticky notes covered with writing in front of him.

The morning light grew brighter, and the words on the paper were somewhat dazzling in the light. I had previously thought of directly adapting the sixth installment of "Fast & Furious," but now it seems that the plot is still a bit thin.

If we take inspiration from the plot of Mission: Impossible, this idea comes to mind...

He picked up his pen and crossed out the title "Speed ​​Racer".

Too flimsy.

Speed ​​alone is not enough. You need a mission, a team, and that kind of... fearless drive on the international stage.

He recalled what Gao Yuanyuan had said last night when she leaned on his shoulder: "She has found her kindred spirit."

Yes. It's not just about racers finding tuners; it's about the entire team finding each other. A group of people abandoned by the mainstream formed a team capable of carrying out missions overseas.

Yang Ning wrote the title on a new page:

Dragon Shield Crisis: South Africa

The pen paused for a moment, then began to write.

Core concept: A Chinese international security team carrying out protection missions in South Africa to combat international mercenaries.

He paused, a few images flashing through his mind—the streets of Johannesburg, heavy armored vehicles rampaging.

On Cape Town's winding mountain roads, sports cars drift along the edge of cliffs; in the port's container area, vehicles navigate a moving maze.

Yes. That's the taste.

---

Character settings:

1. Captain: Long Zhan. Former special forces instructor, who founded "Dragon Shield Security" after retiring. Calm and collected, a tactical mastermind, and a man of great loyalty and righteousness.

Yang Ning wrote in parentheses: Hu Jun. (Undoubtedly a representative of tough guys. After filming Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, he enjoyed good popularity and reputation, and his salary was not expensive, making him a high-value actor.)

2. Ace Driver: Zhao Feng. Passionate and impulsive, with godlike driving skills, he excels at extreme maneuvers. He has a brotherly and friendly relationship with Long Zhan, though they occasionally clash.

(in parentheses: Nicholas Tse (has time to train, and there is room for negotiation on his salary).)

Yang Ning stopped writing at this point.

Nicholas Tse is indeed going through a low period right now – last year's incident caused quite a stir, he lost all his GG endorsements, and film crews are hesitant to use him.

But it's precisely at times like these that he needs a good film to turn his career around. Driving skills? He's a car enthusiast, so he has the foundation, and he's more professional than the average person.

His salary definitely won't be high. In fact... as long as he can act, he should be willing to take a pay cut. Not just should, but he definitely will.

Another purpose was to show goodwill to Jiang Zhiqiang and to leave a little goodwill for the Hong Kong film industry.

The martial arts world is not just about fighting and killing; it also involves human relationships and social etiquette.

Yang Ning added a few more words after his name: extremely high cost performance.

He continued writing.

1. Mechanical Genius: Lin Yue. Daughter of a Chinese car modification shop owner in South Africa. She has a beautiful appearance, an independent and resilient personality, and is proficient in mechanics and modification.

Parentheses: Gao Yuanyuan.

Yang Ning stared at the name for a few seconds, a slight smile playing on his lips.

When she said "I will act well" last night, the look in her eyes didn't lie.

Yang Ning believes he can act well, and more importantly, he's reborn, which means he can have a better career.

Although I won't get married in this life, I'm not going to become a monk either. I still want to collect all the goddesses I longed for in my past life. Killing two birds with one stone, why not!

1. Intelligence Officer: Leng Yue. The team's strategist, calm and intelligent, proficient in multiple languages ​​and skilled in hacking.

Parentheses: Li Binbin.

Li Binbin is currently transitioning from television dramas to movies and needs a significant work.

This role—calm, professional, and a little mysterious—suits her perfectly.

Yang Ning's main consideration was that Li Binbin's agency was Huayi Brothers.

In 2003, Huayi Brothers was quite powerful. It's better to have more friends than more enemies.

In addition, Li Binbin's temperament at this time was truly impeccable.

Thinking of Li Binbin's big, sexy wavy hair in the movie "Waiting Alone," Yang Ning felt even more certain about the choice of this actor.

1. Foreign Villain: Victor Stryker. A top international mercenary leader and former military weapons expert. Cold, elegant, and principled in his profession.

Parentheses: Jean-Claude Van Damme or Jean Renoir.

We need to find a foreign actor with real charisma. Not the kind who comes to China just to gain recognition; he has to be a genuine tough guy.

1. Comedy/Equipment Expert: The life of the party, responsible for providing all sorts of quirky but practical high-tech gadgets to ease the tension.

(in parentheses: Deng Chao (newly debuted, has comedic talent, low salary, and high versatility).)

After writing this, Yang Ning thought about it for a while.

Deng Chao should have just finished filming "Young Emperor" and has some fame but hasn't become a big star yet.

This kid has a knack for being clever; he can be serious or funny, so his pay probably won't be high—it's the perfect time to use newcomers.

The most important thing is that the protagonist knows how much he will achieve later. Promoting him at this time might become a wonderful story of a talent scout and a promising individual in the future.

He continued writing.

---

Core action scenes:

1. Opening: On the streets of Johannesburg, armored vehicles rob a laboratory, and the Dragon Shield squad intercepts them in a car.

Special effects highlights: Live-action + CGI vehicles, collisions, and leaps over broken bridges. Micro-effects—bullet sparks, shattered glass.

Yang Ning noted on the side: Find a local partner in South Africa, two weeks of on-location filming. The CGI part will be handled by Han Duoduo, and a professional team needs to be assembled immediately. Yang Ning emphasized this point. After all, it's always best to enjoy the profits yourself.

1. Climax: The mountain road through Cape Town, followed by a helicopter cable car chase.

Special effects highlights: Aerial shots showcase the treacherous nature of the highway, while CGI is used to create "vertical curve drifting." Core creative concept: A magnetic grappling hook shoots down a helicopter, and team members climb a cableway for aerial combat.

As Yang Ning wrote this, his eyes lit up.

If this shot could actually be made, it would be absolutely amazing. No one in Chinese-language cinema in 2003 had ever done this before.

He noted: A specialized photography team is needed, combining wire work and CGI. Safety measures must be in place.

1. Finale: The showdown in the "moving maze" of the port container area.

Special effects highlights: CGI constructs a maze of moving containers, with vehicles shuttling and colliding.

Yang Ning thought for a moment and added another point: Build part of the maze using real-world scenery to enhance realism. (CGI extension)

He had filled the page. He turned to the next page.

---

Historical context and compliance:

Subject: Protecting Chinese scientists and core technologies, safeguarding the interests of overseas Chinese – politically correct, easy to pass censorship.

Setting: South Africa, avoiding sensitive geopolitical issues.

Tech nostalgia: flip phones, portable CD players, CRT monitors... iconic elements of 2003.

Yang Ning circled the last line.

This is very important. We must not lose sight of the times.

Decades later, when the value of film and video copyrights skyrockets, audiences will feel a sense of connection when they see these old objects, and these film copyrights will be even more valuable. Who would turn down money?

As he was thinking, his phone rang.

It's Lao Xu.