Huayu09: Starting with Hijacking Xiao Shenyang

"Master, I've not only written the script but also drawn the storyboard. We can edit while filming, and we can definitely finish it in 20 days. We can do post-production in the remaining 10 days. No problem at all."

Chen Mo was very certain.

With Zhao's film crew having complete shooting facilities, abundant talent, and both a theatrical version of the script and storyboard manuscripts, it was really not a difficult task.

At the height of Hong Kong cinema, films like "The Banquet" were shot in 4 days, and "The Kung Fu Cult Master" and "Young and Dangerous" were shot in 7 days.

These are all classic works recognized by the audience.

Long shooting time does not necessarily mean high quality of work.

Chen Mo isn't a poet; he spent three years conceiving, preparing, and filming, only to produce "The Promise."

"You drew the storyboard?"

Liu Liu was shocked and asked in return.

Yes, it's here.

Chen Mo handed over a large stack of manuscript papers.

"Hiss..." Liu Liu gasped after just one glance. "This is a storyboard? This is a comic book! Xiao Mo, for the past two weeks, you've been either doing commercial performances or on your way to doing commercial performances. How did you write this script and how did you complete such a high-quality storyboard?"

"Those books I used to have in the dorm, I didn't read them for nothing."

Chen Mo told a little lie.

"I see. There's one last question. The script has a few summer scenes, and you chose Ice City as the filming location. The snow hasn't melted yet."

"Master's idea is to try our luck at Cannes this year. If we can't wait until summer, we'll go to the south to find similar locations for filming, and just make a one-to-one replica."

"I think it's fine..."

Liu left only half of his sentence.

Zhao Benshan interrupted, "That's not what Master meant. If we can't go this year, next year is fine too. Don't let rushing things affect the quality of the movie."

"By next year, it will be too late. 'Black Coal, Thin Ice' is a film that will bring honor to our company, so the sooner the better."

Chen Mo didn't beat around the bush.

My love for my old teacher is almost overflowing.

"Good, good, good! The 'Black Coal, Thin Ice' project has been officially approved, with Benshan Media as the sole investor. Let me explain the specific division of labor."

"General Manager Liu is the executive producer, responsible for script review and distribution; General Manager Zhang is the supervisor, responsible for on-set order and actor management; Production Manager Jin Hongming is responsible for finances and location liaison; Cinematographer Du Heng..."

Zhao Benshan called out the roll call in a swift and efficient manner.

All the staff involved were his personal associates.

This shows his preference for Chen Mo and his emphasis on "Black Coal, Thin Ice".

"Understood, Chairman."

When someone's name is called, they quickly nod in response.

"Finally, Xiao Mo is fully responsible for the film's content. He can hire whichever actor he likes, and the salary is not an issue. If there is a scheduling conflict, his mentor will coordinate."

At this moment, Zhao Benshan exuded an extraordinary domineering aura.

Having worked in the entertainment industry for many years, I have that much confidence.

"Xiao Mo, who do you want? Cheng Long? Jiang Wen? Ge You? Liu Dehua? Or your Uncle Fan? Actress Zhou Xun? Fan Xuexue? Ning Jing? Someone from another field is fine too, Song Zuying? Na Ying…"

Zhao Benshan began to showcase his connections.

Any one of them would be a prominent figure in the Chinese film industry.

"Um... Master, stop, stop, stop. These big stars are popular and have box office appeal, but some are too old and some are not suitable for the roles they play, so they are not very good."

"Then who do you want?"

The male lead is Liao Fan, and the female lead is Yu Nan.

Chen Mo gave two names.

The male lead is definitely Liao Fan, he has to be Liao Fan.

There is no doubt about this.

Even the King of Heaven himself couldn't help.

As for the female lead, the original film featured the beautiful and intellectual Gwei Lun-mei, who portrayed the sense of brokenness and eroticism very well.

But she is not the most suitable.

Diao Yinan hadn't originally intended to use Gwei Lun-mei; it was recommended by the investor, Happiness Blue Ocean.

"Black Coal, Thin Ice" is too Northern in style; Gwei Lun-mei can cater to the Southern market as well.

Yu Nan compared to Gwei Lun-mei.

They are from the lowest rungs of society, more worldly and ruthless, yet also patient and able to keep secrets.

The most important point is that their acting skills are simply not on the same level.

Berlin's darling daughter, and that's no exaggeration.

but!

According to the original timeline, Liao Fan was filming the TV series "Life and Death Line" and immediately joined the cast of Stanley Kwan's "With Heartbeat".

Yu Nan's film "No Man's Land" is about to start filming, and he is currently experiencing life in the Northwest.

Whether or not we can get the two of them over depends on Teacher Zhao's abilities.

"Okay, Master will call and contact you in a bit. Who's considered for the director role?"

"Uncle Zhang Huizhong, your old partner, is good at long takes and the inner drama of ordinary people. He is also from Northeast China, so he understands the local characteristics better and is easier to work with. The movie is basically in my mind. Uncle Zhang is mainly responsible for on-site coordination and overall planning, which I have no experience in."

Let me explain.

It is true that Chinese-language films are director-centric.

However, the director is mainly responsible for overseeing the overall situation and directing the actors.

Some directors don't understand cinematography, art direction, or lighting; they don't even go to the filming location.

The project was handed over to the executive director for filming.

In summary.

Chen Mo is indeed better than some directors.

"How about we have Lao Zhang be your assistant director, and you learn from him how to become a real director?"

"I'll listen to my master."

Chen Mo was moved once again by his old mentor.

Black Coal, Thin Ice has a chance to compete in the top three European films.

Regardless of whether they ultimately made it into the finals or won an award, the director is the soul of the entire film and the biggest beneficiary.

If Zhang Huizhong were the director, she would steal a lot of Chen Mo's spotlight.

This problem does not exist with Zhao Benshan's arrangement.

Experienced mentors guide newcomers.

The older ones get paid, the new ones get seniority.

"Okay, Lao Liu, please prepare the budget. Any other questions?"

Zhao Benshan asked loudly.

"Old Zhao, let me join the team as the chief planner."

Ma Lijuan said softly.

"Juanzi, your son and daughter will be starting school soon, right?"

"Didn't Xiao Mo say it would only take 20 days to finish filming? They're all 15 or 16 years old, it's time for them to be independent."

"But Xiao Mo is already 18 years old, she should be more independent."

"How can that be the same?"

"Fine, do whatever you want."

Zhao Benshan was at a loss.

That brat flatters his master's wife more than he flatters his master.

That's why people say the mother and daughter are so close.

"Meeting adjourned. The main creators go to prepare; everyone else stay."

Zhao Benshan continued.

Liu Liu, Zhang Jiahao, and others left the scene.

"Master, junior brother, can I join the cast as a supporting character?"

Tang Jianjun couldn't wait any longer and quickly got up to ask.

The main creators left, leaving behind their apprentices.

It's about finalizing the supporting cast.

Their own project still has a chance to break into the top three in Europe; anyone who doesn't want to participate is a fool.

and.

Tang Jianjun's wife, Wang Xiaohua, has been selected by director Zhang Yimou and, barring any unforeseen circumstances, will play the female lead in "A Simple Noodle Story".

He didn't want to fall too far behind, so he was particularly proactive.

"Master, am I good enough? I don't pick and choose roles, I can play any kind of character. Once I join the crew, I promise to obey my junior brother's every command."

Song Xiaobao said excitedly.

"Master, junior brother, I also want to act in 'Black Coal, Thin Ice'."

"master…"

"Junior Brother..."

Senior students eagerly spoke up, none of them wanting to miss the opportunity.

Xiao Shenyang, Yadan, Cheng Ye, and the others remained silent.

They have been selected for the film "A Simple Noodle Story".

We must not push our luck and steal opportunities from our fellow apprentices.

Moreover.

No matter how good the junior apprentice's script is, can it be better than director Zhang Yimou's?

"We really need to finalize all the roles today. Xiao Mo is young and sometimes he can't be polite, but as his mentor, I'm telling you this upfront: whoever is chosen today is chosen. If the filming doesn't go well, we can replace him at the last minute, and there can be no complaints. Those who weren't chosen can't hold a grudge, and they absolutely can't talk about our junior brother behind his back. Do you all understand?"

Zhao Benshan's expression was stern, and his tone left no room for doubt.

"I understand, Master."

"We're overjoyed that our junior brother is so talented. Even if he doesn't get selected this time, there will definitely be opportunities in the future."

Everyone expressed their opinions.

"Okay, Xiao Mo, you go ahead and tell us."

"Okay, Master." Chen Mo took out the cast list he had prepared in advance. "First up is Policeman Xiao Wang, played by Brother Bao. Here is a brief biography of the character."

"Me? Thank you, Master. Thank you, Junior Brother."

Song Xiaobao was extremely excited.

Police officer Xiao Wang has a significant amount of screen time.

He was also a key figure in helping the male protagonist solve the case independently.

If you perform well, you will definitely leave a deep impression on the audience.

"Next up are two supporting male characters, the laundromat owner and Liang Zhijun."

The fellow disciples' hearts raced once again.