Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

With the promotion of several teachers,

The film "The Tuner" even caught the attention of Dean Zhang.

Seeing how incredibly accurate their explanation was, Tian Zhuangzhuang nodded in agreement. Dean Zhang then waved his hand and summoned all the available teachers and directing students on campus.

Inside the screening room, the two heroes from the vocational high school class, along with two strong female students, were also present. Although they had participated in the entire filming process, they had not yet seen the finished product.

Another 14 minutes passed, and the lights in the projection room were turned on.

The teachers in the front row were talking excitedly, while Zhang Songwen in the back row slapped his best friend's thigh in excitement.

"Holy crap, that's awesome, Yiwei! Why do I feel like that person on the screen isn't me?"

"It's you."

Zhou Yiwei looked helpless. "The subtitles clearly state that the male lead is Awen, and the actor is Zhang Songwen."

He wasn't jealous of his best friend; his legs had just gone numb from being patted so hard by this guy.

In the best seats in the second row, Dean Zhang remained silent for a moment, then led the applause with a smile, followed by thunderous applause.

"Hongwei, this year's directing department has produced a promising talent."

"It's all thanks to Dean Zhang's capable leadership that our school's reputation has been polished to a shine. As the saying goes, 'Plant the phoenix tree, and the phoenix will come.'"

Zhuang Huai'an, standing to the side, gave a thumbs-up in his heart. "Good, good, good. I thought only people like me knew how to flatter, but I didn't expect that you, Lao Wang, with your artistic temperament, are just as good."

"Hmm, not bad."

Dean Zhang nodded and turned to Zhuang Huai'an.

"Huai'an is indeed an excellent student. What are your thoughts on this film? If you need anything, you can tell the school. This is also part of showcasing our teaching achievements to the outside world."

"You flatter me, Dean Zhang. We do indeed need the school's help."

Since his boss's boss had spoken, Zhuang Huai'an didn't hold back, "I want to submit this film to the three major film studios, but the process of submitting it for review and obtaining the bid is..."

"No problem, the school will take care of it for you. This film doesn't involve anything else, so passing the censorship won't be an issue," Dean Zhang waved his hand dismissively. "Also, regarding the three major agencies, the school can help you with recommendations. Are you interested?"

Zhuang Huai'an wanted to speak directly, but when he saw Lao Wang give him a wink, he instantly understood.

"Director Zhang, I have no experience in this area. Which film festival do you think we should go to?"

Zhang Yuan was quite pleased with the offer Zhuang Huai'an made, and his tendency to be a know-it-all kicked in. He patiently explained, "I suggest you go to Cannes. Your film fits their aesthetic, and it also has the potential to be adapted into a feature film. Cannes is the most prestigious of the Big Three, and film distributors from all over the world will gather there..."

Dean Zhang only mentioned it briefly before stopping, after all, how could someone involved in the arts encourage students to be money-oriented?

Zhang Yuan's thoughts coincided with Zhuang Huai'an's, but he had more in mind than that. Don't forget, the sound engineer was just his appetizer; the main course was yet to come.

Cannes opens in May each year, but registration closes in mid-April.

While the Beijing Film Academy, as a top-ranked art school globally, may not have an impact on the Cannes Film Festival awards, it can still lend a hand by recommending films through connections.

Five months is plenty of time.

The people here are the most gossipy, so Zhuang Huai'an didn't tell Dean Zhang his thoughts, and the matter was accomplished in secret.

Which is more convincing: empty words or words that have yielded tangible results?

Otherwise, why would Wang Hongwei ask him to shoot a short film first?

After seeing all the teachers off, and ignoring the excited duo from the vocational high school class, Zhuang Huai'an headed towards Old Wang's office.

"I knew you'd come," Old Wang said with a laugh as he brewed his Kung Fu tea. Seeing his apprentice cowering outside the door, he scolded, "Don't bother looking. They've all gone to Dean Zhang's office. I'm all alone here."

"That's why I say you understand me so well, my mentor."

Zhuang Huai'an stared at Old Wang's bald head and said with a grin, "No wonder people say he's incredibly smart; I've finally seen one."

"Well done, kid," Old Wang glared, "you've really grown some guts, daring to tease me now."

"Don't be angry, teacher. Have a cigarette, have a cigarette," Zhuang Huai'an handed him a Huazi cigarette, lit it for him with smooth movements, and then lit one for himself.

"You've passed this time," Old Wang said with a smile. "I mentioned the hunting to Dean Zhang. With your background as a sound engineer, Dean Zhang indicated that I can appropriately manage your teaching level."

Zhuang Huai'an was delighted upon hearing this. Wasn't this just a disguised form of letting things run wild? And it had to be the leader who spoke so eloquently.

"My dear teacher, to be honest, I have a plan that can restore the Beijing Film Academy from obscurity to light."

"Pah, nonsense! When has the Beijing Film Academy ever done anything like that?"

"I misspoke. It should be, I have a plan that can bring the director back to light."

Zhuang Huai'an feigned a heartbroken expression, "Teacher, think about it, how long has it been since our directing department produced a great director? Now the cinematography department next door is practically riding on our heads. As a direct descendant of the directing department, are you convinced?"

"You wretched child," Wang Hongwei glared at his mischievous disciple and said irritably, "You don't need to provoke me with those words. Speak your mind, or get lost."

"Hehe, it has to be you, my mentor. Not only are you incredibly intelligent, but you also have a keen eye for detail."

Zhuang Huai'an flattered him, then immediately revealed his true intentions.

"I heard you had a pretty close relationship with teacher Wang Zhiwen when you were in school? What do you think of the character Lu Kai?"

"Well done, lad. How much investment do you have to dare hire Wang Zhiwen?"

During this period, compared to the lackluster actresses, the male actors were a constellation of stars. Although there was no such thing as a top star yet, Zhang Guoli, Chen Daomin, Chen Baoguo, Wang Zhiwen, and Li Xuejian were undoubtedly in the first tier.

"Never mind that, I'm quite wealthy."

Zhuang Huai'an puffed out his chest. "Just tell me if it's suitable or not."

"That's quite suitable. Wang Zhiwen and Lu Kai are a great match, and with his acting skills, it's incredible." Wang Hongwei thought for a moment and nodded.

"I can ask around for you, but you need to think it through. If you hire Wang Zhiwen, the other roles can't be chosen casually, otherwise the show won't be able to hold its own."

"I know what I'm doing."

Zhuang Huai'an's eyes darted around, and he asked again, "You and Teacher Jiang Wu were in the same year, what's your relationship like?"

"You want him to play the little girl's father?"

Indeed.

"Okay, I'll hand over the notebook. Given its quality, I'm sure they won't refuse if they have the time."

"With you involved, this matter is half accomplished."

"Stop flattering him. What about the other characters, especially that little actor?"

"Please look, my teacher, I've written it all down." Zhuang Huai'an handed over a piece of paper. Wang Hongwei glanced at it and gasped.

"You really dare to dream!"

Male lead Lu Kai: Wang Zhiwen

Lu Kai's son, Lu Sen: To be determined.

Lu Kai's girlfriend: Yan Danchen

Lala the little girl: To be determined

Lala's father: Jiang Wu

Lala's mother: Liu Dan (the opening pot aunt, Beijing Film Academy, Class of 90, Acting Department)

Lala's brother: To be determined.

Principal: Liu Lin (Dehua, Class of 93, Performance Department, Beijing Film Academy)

Lu Kai's friend: Wang Xinjun (Captain of the Heroes, Class of 92, Performance Department, Beijing Film Academy)

"Good job, kid! Your casting is way better than your seniors'!"

Looking at this list of students from the Beijing Film Academy, Wang Hongwei excitedly took a sip of tea. He could already imagine how Dean Zhang would react when he handed the list to him.

Zhang Huijun: Holy Son! Holy Son of the Sect!

A top-notch script, a top-notch male lead, and first-rate actors... um

A director who is just starting out,

With this lineup, Wang Hongwei couldn't imagine how he could lose!

Kai: I'll tell you how to lose in 3 years.