Volume 3: Taking Roots 2016 Chapter 700 Exchange of Interests
As a leading figure among the sixth generation of directors, Ning Hao has read at least eight hundred scripts, but only a few of them really left an impression on him.
After all, in such a huge entertainment industry, there are countless people who want to become famous overnight and reach the peak of their lives, not just the group of extras wandering in Hengdian.
Being an extra is undoubtedly the most basic and dumbest way, without a doubt. After all, looking at the entire entertainment industry, there are only a handful of people who can stand out from this path.
The most famous among them is probably Wang Baoqiang, who is a typical example of someone who was blessed by God. His talent in acting is truly visible to the naked eye.
People with a little bit of ideas and abilities will naturally find other ways out. Submitting scripts is one of them. Although the threshold is slightly raised, it is still a road where thousands of troops cross a single-plank bridge.
The stories that truly stand out from the crowd are all those that have real substance.
But now, this script struck Ning Hao's heart at once, and even gave him a strong urge to direct.
Just like a good actor's desire to get a good role, a good director's desire for a good script is naturally no less than the former.
The saying goes, "A good horse deserves a good saddle, and a sword goes with a hero." This is probably the truth.
If he hadn't already been planning to film the final chapter of the Crazy Trilogy, he would really want to buy the script...
But obviously, even if he opened the door like this, he might not be able to buy it. After all, his junior brother already has an investor...
Of course, if I were to ask myself, I wonder what choice Zhou Dongsheng would make between a famous director and a new director?
This thought stayed in Ning Hao's mind for a moment, but he then dismissed the idea, although as a filmmaker he really liked testing human nature in movies.
But in reality, it is better not to test human nature.
Although I had thousands of thoughts in my heart, I finally said a heartfelt sigh: the script is indeed a good script, but this story is indeed not that easy to film.
Even if the movie can be made, whether it can be released in theaters is another matter. After all, this kind of subject matter is still a little sensitive.
When Ning Hao mentioned this, the two people present naturally knew it well. Wen Muye knew the scale of the story very well, but perhaps he was just a newborn calf who was not afraid of a tiger.
Or maybe they haven't been beaten by society yet, or maybe artists are born with the desire to make a name for themselves...
Whatever the reason, Wen Muye had a strong urge and desire to bring this story to the big screen, and it would be worth it no matter how much effort it took.
As for Zhou Dongsheng, he knew it very well, so he was naturally not worried about the review. As for confidence, he was probably the only one present who was most confident that this story could not only be filmed and shown on the screen, but also be a box office hit.
It has even won the title of the Chinese-language film with the best reputation in recent years, and is definitely a typical symbol of both critical acclaim and box office success.
Therefore, Zhou Dongsheng could not help but say calmly: "It is challenging only when it is difficult to shoot, right? If all the films are like those mass-produced movies in the current film market, will the film industry still have a future?"
As the saying goes, one should treat the person differently according to his or her situation. Although this is only the first time, veteran filmmakers like Ning Hao, who have been in the industry for a long time, must be more or less angry about the chaos in the industry.
We all eat from the same pot. How can you not feel disgusted when you see others wasting food?
So Zhou Dongsheng was just trying to please Ning Hao by saying this tentatively. Not to mention, it really touched Ning Hao's heart. It can be said that great minds think alike.
"I didn't expect that Mr. Zhou is so young, not only has he achieved success in his career, but he also has some experience in the film industry?" Ning Hao nodded and continued.
"I am just expressing my true thoughts from the perspective of a viewer. This is also a small reason why I invested in the film. I hope to contribute to Chinese films..."
"After all, if it's about making money, I think I have many better options than investing in movies."
At the end, Zhou Dongsheng added a light and casual remark, which was undoubtedly a bit arrogant to ordinary people, but when it came out of Zhou Dongsheng's mouth, it was inexplicably convincing.
Especially for the two people who knew something about Zhou Dongsheng's rise to fame, they felt like they had no way to refute what they were saying.
When their eyes met, they reached a consensus and an idea came to mind:
Damn it, he tricked me!
At this moment, Zhou Dongsheng is becoming more and more like a "coal boss". Alas, how much money can he make from movies? It's not even worth a truckload of coal like mine. He can just consider it as paying for his artistic enlightenment.
That’s right, I definitely didn’t come here for the female stars, I came here for artistic enlightenment. I don’t think these two things conflict with each other, right?
But it’s true, after Zhou Dongsheng said that, Ning Hao was inexplicably convinced of the reasons he gave, and felt more and more that people like him who were taken advantage of... No, they were fellow travelers!
It makes sense not to make friends with like-minded people like this, especially if you have a movie project that you want to make. If such young upstarts join in, it will undoubtedly be a good thing with no harm.
Ning Hao looked at Zhou Dongsheng and felt that this young man was more and more handsome. He was pleasing to the eye no matter how he looked at him. His mood became better and he said with a smile.
"Good! Mr. Zhou, you're right! If there are more investors like you in the film industry, Chinese-language films will definitely have a promising future."
"Of course, the future of Chinese-language films will definitely require fresh blood like Makino. Let alone the interpretation style of this script, judging from your masterpiece Requiem, it is indeed quite suitable for you..."
"This type of script not only requires a skilled director, but also very selective actors. I'm talking about actors, not stars..."
Ning Hao even emphasized it deliberately, and then asked: "Have the actors been decided? Does Director Wen have any favorite candidates? I can help you look for them..."
Ning Hao said readily. It was obvious that he had decided to help. In his opinion, Wen Muye, an outstanding young man, came to him probably with this in mind.
After all, in the entertainment industry, in addition to pursuing interests, seniority and social etiquette are also important.
Wen Muye couldn't help but smile when he heard this. Even though it was just one sentence, considering Ning Hao's status in the circle, this sentence was much more useful than his own.
Director Wen smiled immaturely, "I've been busy polishing the script these past few months, and haven't had time to look for the right person..."
Zhou Dongsheng did not choose to reveal the spoilers right away, although he believed there would be no better choice than the original team, after all, apart from the leading actors.
The other supporting characters undoubtedly seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and did their best to prove themselves.
This state is undoubtedly precious. Often, an actor can only have such explosive power when he is not yet famous. Once he becomes famous, it is easy to relax.
Just like Huang Xiaoming's Schrödinger-like acting skills, he is a model of being strong when facing a strong opponent and weak when facing a weak opponent. After finally acting in a good drama, he has to reward himself with a role as a domineering president.
However, Zhou Dongsheng's heart was moved when he looked at Ning Hao, and he took the initiative to invite him, "I wonder if Director Ning is interested in this project? Although I am passionate about Chinese films, I am an outsider after all."
"Besides giving some money, there is nothing else I can do. I will not do stupid things like an outsider directing an expert. I believe that you directors should be the ones who hate this kind of people the most."
"So I have an idea. I want to invite Director Ning to be the producer of this movie. What do you think?"
The film industry has developed to the point where it has a complete system of its own. The producer, though seemingly unknown, is actually an important and indispensable role in the film production process.
In short, it is to assist the director in completing various filming tasks. Its importance is even higher than that of the assistant director. After all, sometimes the so-called "assistant director" is just a title for gilding the liar's reputation.
However, the supervisor is usually an experienced senior who serves as an assistant to the younger generation, or represents the will of investors and paper people...
Zhou Dongsheng's intention was obviously the former, but in order to invite the great god Ning Hao, it was natural that he had to cut a piece of the cake.
This kind of thing is very common in the movie industry. After all, the entire process of making a movie from production to release requires a lot of people to escort it.
There is no such thing as "independent film" in China. Unless you target the overseas market from the very beginning and aim to win awards, you still have to follow this set of rules.
Ning Hao couldn't help but feel a little excited when he heard this. Although he couldn't direct the film himself, being able to participate in the project as a producer was also a good option.
Especially with Zhou Dongsheng, an investor who is very savvy and very compatible with Ning Hao's taste, his words "I don't want an outsider to guide insiders" really touched Ning Hao's heart.
The more I look at him, the more he looks like the "coal boss" that every director dreams of. Perhaps this is the fate of this outstanding junior of mine.
Isn’t it fate to be able to meet such a rare “coal boss”?
Although he really wanted to agree to Zhou Dongsheng's proposal, it would seem inappropriate if he was too straightforward. But it just so happened that he also had something to ask for, so didn't he think alike?
Thinking of this, Ning Hao said, "It's not impossible, but I also want to ask Mr. Zhou for help with something. If Mr. Zhou can agree, then I have no objection to this matter."
"Oh? Director Ning, please go ahead." Zhou Dongsheng was a little surprised. He didn't expect that there would be someone asking him for help. It was quite rare. Zhou Dongsheng was all ears.
"I was quite touched by Mr. Zhou's heartfelt words about Chinese films. I just had an idea to come up with a film project to explore the future of young filmmakers."
"The idea of this plan has always stayed in my mind. I didn't expect that it coincided with Mr. Zhou's. So I thought that time is running out. If not now, when?"
"It's just right. I can take advantage of this opportunity to work closely with President Zhou, and I can also use Makino's project as the first shot of this film plan."
"My original idea for building this platform was to follow the standard of the creative model where the old and the new are mentored..."
Ning Hao talked freely and put forward all his ideas. At this time, Zhou Dongsheng suddenly realized that perhaps this was the real story behind this movie?
It's just that I intervened and slightly changed the direction of the story, but if nothing unexpected happens, it will get back on track.
Could this be the inertia of history? Zhou Dongsheng couldn't help but think subtly.
But he was unequivocal in his words, and immediately clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Great! That's great, I didn't expect Director Ning to have such a heart. I naturally won't refuse such a good thing. For the future of Chinese films, I will not refuse to contribute money and effort."
Zhou Dongsheng said this righteously, and in an instant it seemed as if his entire body was emitting a radiance.
Apart from anything else, perhaps in terms of acting, Zhou Dongsheng is also the type who is blessed by God, otherwise it is difficult to explain why his acting skills have improved so rapidly.
They can already show off in front of new and old directors.
"Okay! Then it's settled. I'll be the producer of the film. I won't be stingy when it comes to investment, so I'll pay out of my own pocket. How much do you think is appropriate, Mr. Zhou?"
"At present, I have tentatively decided to pay 100 million to Director Wen. If the follow-up is not enough, I will make additional investments. Since Director Ning wants to contribute, then I will calculate it according to this share..."
Zhou Dongsheng said with a smile that everything has a first come first served basis, no matter how it is distributed, the biggest share is his anyway, and that is enough.
After all, Zhou Dongsheng is no longer a soft persimmon that can be easily manipulated. If he had the funds but no way out at the beginning...
It is possible that the "bamboo basket to draw water" situation might really happen to him.
But now, if you want to play this kind of trick with Zhou Dongsheng, you have to consider whether you have the ability to do it.
Ning Hao couldn't help but sigh at Wen Muye's bad luck again. He met this kind of big complainer who was willing to pay 100 million right at the beginning. What else could this be but bad luck?
Even a relatively unknown new director like Wen Muye dared to invest 100 million yuan. If he is not a big complainer, what else could he be?
When I was filming "Crazy Stone", I relied on the support of Andy Lau's "Asian New Star Director" program, plus various other sources to scrape together a total cost of about 3 million.
It was only after careful calculation that such a famous work was made. Of course, times have changed. If you used 3 million to buy a house at that time, it would easily increase by dozens of times now.
But obviously, I am now going to join the ranks of the "big resentful people".
"In that case, I'll pay 10 million out of my own pocket. I'm very optimistic about this script, so I'll have to put in more effort in casting. I'll definitely need an actor who's both famous and talented to lead the cast..."
"The ideal cast for a movie is usually one that has old actors leading new ones..."
Ning Hao said seriously.
"I have no objection. I welcome Director Ning's joining the team, and I believe in the opinions of professionals. However, when selecting actors, I would also like to observe if I have the chance..."
"I don't have any other intentions. I just want to join in the fun and feel a sense of participation."
Zhou Dongsheng mentioned this cheerfully, thinking of it as an insurance policy. As long as the team remains unchanged, the key chemical reaction will not change easily, right?
