Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

Zhou Yiwei and Zhang Songwen's performances were very solid.

Zhuang Huai'an looked somewhat awkward, and after thinking it over, he called the two of them together.

"Senior brother, cousin, I have a feeling something's not right."

The two high school students exchanged a glance, and Zhang Songwen said, "Brother, you also felt it. Actually, Yiwei and I discussed it last night."

"Tell me your thoughts."

"I think Lao Zhang is more suitable for the male lead," Zhou Yiwei said. "We took turns acting it out in private, and Lao Zhang's performance was stronger in conveying that smug feeling."

Seeing Zhuang Huai'an deep in thought, Zhang Songwen continued, "Actually, Yiwei's eye acting is better, but this male lead..."

"Brother, I understand," Zhuang Huai'an waved his hand and made a decision, "Then how about this, you two switch roles in that scene together."

"Okay," the two were best buddies and wouldn't care about such things.

Zhou Yiwei gave Zhang Songwen an encouraging look, and the two went on stage to prepare.

After the scene, Zhang Songwen's performance was indeed better.

"Brother, senior brother, there's something I need to tell you beforehand."

Zhuang Huai'an looked at the two of them and explained, "Although this is just a short film, I have high hopes for it. To be honest, I intend to submit it to the three major short film festivals. If I'm lucky enough to win an award, I hope that my two senior brothers won't let this hurt our friendship."

"Don't worry, Director, my relationship with Lao Zhang won't be ruined by an award." Zhou Yiwei smiled and, seeing that Zhang Songwen seemed hesitant to speak, patted his arm to reassure him.

"Let's continue as we are now."

Zhuang Huai'an gave Zhou Yiwei a thumbs up. Their relationship was something even Zhu Dan was jealous of.

In his past life, he had seen an interview where Zhou Yiwei's wife, Zhu Dan, complained that when they were dating, Zhou Yiwei would tell her to go to bed early while he went to talk on the phone with Zhang Songwen all night long, and he did this every night.

Filming proceeded smoothly, and Teacher Cui also took a day to join the crew. Having taught acting for half her life, she handled this small role with ease.

During this time, Lao Wang also came by once. Seeing that Zhuang Huai'an had done a good job, he didn't say much, just patted him on the shoulder and left.

On October 8th, the National Day holiday ended, and the filming of "The Sound Engineer" also wrapped up.

The budget was 5, but the actual cost was less than 4.

Aside from the cost of props, food, and everyone's labor, everything else was free from the school.

Zhuang Huai'an, accompanied by the Crouching Dragon and Phoenix Chick, the two heroes of the vocational class, and two strong female senior students, went up to the third floor of the Beijing Film Academy cafeteria and had a delicious special meal.

"Come on, cousin, Brother Zhou, and two senior sisters,"

At the dinner table, Zhuang Huai'an took out several red envelopes and handed them over, saying, "According to the saying in my hometown, red characters signify greatness and are meant to bring good fortune."

"Thank you, cousin (junior)." After the crew dispersed, no one continued to call him director. After all, they were all from the same school and were still in school. Calling him senior or junior was more intimate.

After the dinner, the three brothers returned to dormitory 404. Zhuang Huai'an took out two thick red envelopes and threw them to Wolong and Fengchu.

"Oh, we have that too?"

"What are you saying?" Zhuang Huai'an chuckled. "I'm not a heartless capitalist, and you're not slaves. It's only right that you get paid for your work. Like I said, pay the bills, don't complain about how little you get."

"How could that be?" The two pretended to be coy, but once they received the red envelopes, their true colors were revealed, and they eagerly opened them.

"Holy crap, 2000!"

The Crouching Dragon and the Young Phoenix exchanged a glance, then clasped their hands in unison, knelt on one knee, and said in unison, "We thank our godfather!"

Previously, it could be considered a bit of fun among young people, and it wasn't a big deal that Zhuang Huai'an was a bit carefree.

But during this shoot, the people who helped me run around were really putting in a lot of effort; their work was no easier than Zhuang Huai'an's.

People need to be able to distinguish between what is important and what is not.

So he solemnly performed the same gesture, clasping his hands and kneeling, "I also thank my two godfathers!"

The three of them looked at each other and then suddenly burst into laughter.

The next day, Zhuang Huai'an took the footage to the directing department's editing room and spent three days editing it, including the music.

After working non-stop for more than ten days, Zhuang Huai'an still had plenty of energy, which made him feel a little emotional. The transmigrator brothers were really good people. With his current physique, even Zhang Yimou couldn't compare to him, right?

They brought the complete set of photos to Old Wang's office.

Unlike its usual quietness, the room was packed with people today.

Knock knock knock,

Zhuang Huai'an knocked politely on the door and only entered after receiving a signal.

Looking at the person surrounded by the teachers, Zhuang Huai'an instantly understood. If this was the person, then it wouldn't be surprising for the teachers to be there.

"Hello teachers, hello Director Tian." The man in the middle is none other than Tian Zhuangzhuang, the leading figure among the fifth generation of directors and the first generation of directors of banned films.

"Huai'an's here, come over here." Old Wang smiled and waved to him.

Tian Zhuangzhuang nodded in response, "You're Zhuang Huai'an? You've come at just the right time. Old Wang was just bragging about you, his prized student, saying you'll become the leader of this generation of directors."

Zhuang Huai'an smiled, revealing the spirit of a young man for the first time: "Teacher, you flatter me. Although I am confident in my future, I am still a freshman and have much to learn from you all."

"Very good, that's great, you have a lot of energy!"

A hint of admiration flashed in Tian Zhuangzhuang's eyes. "I've read both of your scripts. You're truly talented. You came here today because that short film is finished, right?"

Zhuang Huai'an smiled but did not reply. Instead, he looked at Wang Hongwei.

Seeing his actions, Old Wang was very satisfied and secretly delighted, but he still deliberately kept a straight face and said, "Why are you looking at me? Director Tian has already been confirmed to teach in the directing department, and he will be your teacher next year."

No matter how capable Tian Zhuangzhuang is, Wang Hongwei is still his "boss". People should be able to distinguish between what is important and what is not.

After receiving Lao Wang's explicit instruction, Zhuang Huai'an nodded and replied, "Yes, Teacher Tian, ​​the film was only finished editing last night. I was afraid I might not be able to handle it well, so I came here specifically to ask Teacher Wang and the other teachers for their help and corrections."

"Then I've made it in time." Tian Zhuangzhuang smiled.

Old Wang was secretly pleased with Zhuang Huai'an's attitude.

"Well then, in that case, please move to the screening room."

Old Wang stood up first, gesturing for his apprentice to lead the way.

The group of people went downstairs in a grand procession.

After handing the tape to the projectionist, Zhuang Huai'an did not sit in the audience, but instead pressed himself against the wall, hiding himself in the darkness.

The 14-minute short film finished quickly, the lights in the screening room were turned on, and the expressions of the people present varied.

"The composition and camera work...the flashbacks and mirror images...wow..."

Tian Zhuangzhuang rubbed his teeth, surprised, and said, "Hongwei, this film has nothing to do with you, right?"

"It has absolutely nothing to do with it," Wang Hongwei said with the same expression he had when he watched the military parade. "This kid did all the writing, directing, and editing himself."

"Tsk, what a genius..."

The teachers, including Tian Zhuangzhuang, looked at the boy leaning against the wall with complicated expressions.