Huayu 1999: Starting with nothing but getting something for nothing

Wu Shixian didn't speak, but just looked thoughtful.

Cheng Er's implication was that he didn't like adding "GG".

This is normal. No director with ambition would like this, even if they are no longer seasoned directors in their ivory towers. It's not that they are unaware of the hardships of life, but it's just that it's difficult to find a balance.

Product placement should serve the story, not interfere with it. This requires creativity and thought, but filmmaking itself is already very demanding...

Although Yang Che had already made his decision, he still earnestly explained, "Since it's product placement, it should be done subtly. For example, the scene where the female lead vomits on the head of the old man with the wig was filmed on the subway. There's already a GG in the subway, so we can just replace it with the sponsor's. Would the audience be disgusted by that?"

There are also scenes like the male and female leads making phone calls and drinking; the reasonable integration of everyday products enhances the sense of immersion and makes the story more relatable. If these products are used even without a paid placement fee, why shouldn't we include them? When news of product placement in the movie "Endless" gets out, even if we didn't include them, people will still assume we did.

Wu Shixian looked grateful: "Brother Che, you're right. You've given me a lot of inspiration. I've always been too narrow-minded. I used to look down on those Hollywood commercial films for their poor product placement. If product placement is done properly, it can reduce the pressure on investors, making them more willing to invest in movies."

Yang Che gave a thumbs up: "That's right, nobody's money comes from thin air. Brother Ding, you don't need to ask those brand owners, just help me contact a GG company, I'll talk to them."

Zhao Xiaoding didn't look at the two directors this time: "Okay."

Cheng Er opened his mouth but didn't say anything more. A thought flashed through his mind: Yang Che could have just asked Zhao Xiaoding about GG, but he also asked him and Wu Shixian. What did that mean?

After chatting for a few more minutes and finishing their cigarettes, they prepared to return to the meeting room, since they hadn't received their money yet.

Just as he turned around, he saw Lin Mu putting an envelope into his bag as he walked out of the meeting room. He had obviously counted the envelopes earlier. When he saw Yang Che and the others, Lin Mu grinned and said, "Brother Che, aren't you going to invite us to lunch?"

Yang Che waved his hand: "What are you talking about? Are you treating us?"

Lin Mu cheerfully replied, "I'll treat, I'll treat."

He's the art director, but he's paid as an art director. Today he'll take half, which is 5000 yuan, which is more than enough to treat people to a meal.

"Alright, everyone go home and find your mothers. Remember to come to the studio on August 1st."

"I'm going home for a bit, I'll be back the day after tomorrow. By the way, Che-ge, who are we casting for the male and female leads?"

As soon as Lin Mu finished speaking, almost everyone's eyes turned to Yang Che, including Zeng Jian, Cao Yu, and others who had just come out of the conference room.

It seems this issue has never been formally discussed.

A few people had seen the poster of Little Swallow, but Yang Che denied it.

"Not sure, there are a few candidates, we'll have auditions later. Okay, go do whatever you need to do."

Before long, everyone except Yang Che had taken the money and signed the form. Well, no, he signed the form but didn't take the money. Hmm... the form said the remuneration was 6, which was already the highest in the entire crew, considering he was the screenwriter, supervisor, and producer.

Most people have left, waiting for the call to officially start work on August 1st.

Ning Hao, Cheng Er, Wu Shixian, and Qin Lan stayed. Xing Jianwei and Wang Baoqiang also wanted to stay, but Yang Che chased them away, telling them to come back tomorrow and not to think about getting a free meal today.

The remaining five people did not go to eat, nor did they stay in the conference room. Instead, they returned to Yang Che's room.

The room was now somewhat different from when Yang Che first moved in. The two beds had been put together, and the empty space contained two whiteboards and four red plastic stools.

Another big difference is that there's a lingering, smoky smell in the room that just won't go away.

There were some scribbles on the whiteboard, along with the names of the male and female protagonists: Xingxing (female protagonist) and Niu Geng (male protagonist). These names alone revealed their personalities.

After entering the room, Yang Che didn't greet anyone, and simply lay down against the headboard: "Let's talk about actors, Lao Cheng, what are your thoughts?"

Ning Hao and Cheng Er sat on the sofa by the bed, while Wu Shixian sat in the chair at the desk. This had been their usual meeting format for the past few days; for example, the selection of the lighting technician a few days ago was a discussion among the four of them.

As for Qin Lan, she moved a plastic stool and sat next to Yang Che, holding a small notebook in her hand as if she was taking notes.

Cheng Er didn't even hesitate: "Xingxing Zhang Ziyi, Niu Geng Xiayu. The male lead's parents, Xu Shaohua and Zhu Ling."

Ning Hao slapped his forehead: "Old Cheng, what kind of taste do you have? Zhang Ziyi is so ugly! But your pairing as the male and female leads is quite interesting."

Yang Che burst out laughing. It was indeed quite interesting. The sequel to "Journey to the West" had already finished filming and would be broadcast early next year, allowing him to ride the wave of popularity.

Yang Che looked at Wu Shixian. This guy had ideas and abilities, but he was just good at smoothing things over. The aftermath of the director's dispute wouldn't be so easily resolved.

Wu Shixian wasn't trying to smooth things over, nor was he unwilling to speak up; he was simply embarrassed to say it.

"What do you guys think of Gong Beibi? We need that fiery temper."

As Qin Lan was getting bottled water for the four people, she thought to herself, "Who is this? I could act out this feisty side too!"

"Brother Che".

Yang Che took the water, unscrewed the tap, and took a sip: "Won't Zhu Ling and Xu Shaohua seem out of place?"

Cheng Er shook her head: "No, the scenes featuring the parents are all comedic, so it doesn't matter if they break character. In addition, the contrast between the Queen of the Women's Kingdom and Tang Sanzang will enhance the comedic effect."

Ning Hao nodded seriously: "I agree."

Wu Shixian stroked his chin: "Director Cheng is right."

Yang Che nodded: "If that's the case, then it's approved. Lao Cheng, you can send out the invitations."

Cheng Erying is correct.

Yang Che continued, "As for the male and female leads, let's each write down our preferred candidates. We'll discuss their suitability for the roles and their salaries. If we can't reach an agreement, we'll have them audition, and then we'll vote by raising our hands. Any questions?"

Cheng Er sighed inwardly: "Character suitability, dude, you wrote the script... why do you have to hold this kind of vote? Who are you trying to fool? This is just formalism."

Cheng Er finally remembered what his father had told him before he graduated.

"Son, you're about to be assigned to a new workplace. Let me tell you... your boss is asking you to express your opinion not because he wants to hear it, but because he wants to know your stance. He wants more information to analyze the situation. Your opinion is useless. Don't be resentful, unless you become the boss yourself."

So what he said was, "No problem."

The two of them naturally said it was no problem.

Sitting on the red plastic stool, Qin Lan subconsciously straightened her back; she didn't know why she was suddenly so nervous.

Yang Che sat up, got out of bed, and walked to the whiteboard, writing down Fan Bingbing and Huang Haibo.