Entertainment from Divorce

Chapter 1609

Brilliant Entertainment Company, President's Office.

Tan Yue was engrossed in dealing with the pile of documents.

On the desk lay the Blu-ray release plan for "Interstellar" submitted by the overseas distribution department, and next to it was a list of commercial sponsorships for "Star Imagination Camp" sent by the variety show department.

His fingertips traced across the paper, occasionally jotting down a few notes on the document; the sound of his pen scratching against the paper was particularly clear in the quiet office.

Half a month has passed since the final draft of the script for "The Three-Body Problem" was completed, and the production of the storyboard script for the TV series is proceeding at a rapid pace.

Qian Tao spends almost every day in the conference room, working with his team and storyboard designers to refine every scene.

Meanwhile, Tan Yue, in addition to handling the company's daily affairs, was also troubled by the selection of a director for "The Three-Body Problem".

He wanted to direct it himself, but Chen Ziyu needed to be taken care of during her pregnancy, and the company's management also required his help. He was worried that a well-known director in the industry would not be able to understand the science fiction core of "The Three-Body Problem". After thinking it over, he couldn't find a suitable candidate for the time being.

Just as he was pondering this, there was a gentle knock on the office door, and Qian Tao strode in, holding a tablet computer in his hand, a somewhat anxious smile on his face.
"Mr. Tan, are you busy? There's something I'd like you to see. It's a new short video by our company's new director, Lu Chuan. I think it's exceptionally well-made."

Tan Yue put down his pen, leaned back in his chair, and pointed to the chair opposite him: "Sit down. Lu Chuan? You mean that new director who made 'Deep in the Old Alley'? What did he make in his short videos?"

"It's a sci-fi short video he just finished last week called 'Stardust.' It tells the story of an astronaut who loses contact in space and communicates with his daughter through interstellar signals. It's only ten minutes long, but the visual language and emotional expression are exceptionally well done." Qian Tao handed the tablet to Tan Yue and opened the video.

“I just saw it too. I think this kid has a good sense of camera presence and a good grasp of sci-fi themes, so I brought it here for you to see.”

The video slowly lit up, and a faint crackling sound of electricity came from the black screen, followed by a deep blue space background, with a lonely planet slowly rotating in the picture.

The scene shifts to the astronaut's cockpit. The actor, with a tired yet determined expression, whispers into the communicator, "Daughter, Daddy is in orbit around Pluto now. Can you see Earth's light?"

Then came the daughter's innocent voice through the static: "Daddy, I see stars! When are you coming back?"

The short ten-minute video, without any flashy special effects, captured the astronaut's loneliness and the warmth between father and daughter with its delicate camera work, especially the astronaut looking towards Earth at the end.

"Dad will become a star to be with you."

The camera slowly zooms out, blending the astronauts' figures into the vastness of space, creating a powerful atmosphere.

After the video ended, Tan Yue remained silent for a long time, his fingers lightly tapping the table, his heart filled with turmoil.

Lu Chuan's cinematic language is very restrained, without deliberately trying to evoke emotions, yet it allows emotions to penetrate the screen and strike people's hearts directly, especially in the presentation of space scenes.

Despite a limited budget, the director created a sci-fi feel through lighting and composition, which is exactly the kind of directorial quality needed for "The Three-Body Problem".

It can grasp the rigor of hard science fiction while also interpreting the human emotions in the story.

"Well done." Tan Yue looked up, his eyes filled with admiration.

"Lu Chuan is a talented young man, especially in his understanding of science fiction, which is better than many veteran directors who have been making films for more than ten years. His previous film, 'Deep in the Old Alley,' was a realistic film, and I thought he was good at slice-of-life films. I didn't expect him to be able to make such a good film about science fiction."

"I think so too."

Qian Tao smiled and continued, "Lu Chuan graduated from the Film Academy with a major in directing. He had been making short films before joining our company last year. 'Deep in the Old Alley' is his first feature film project. Now it seems that this kid's potential is not limited to this."

After a moment of contemplation, Tan Yue had a bold idea in mind: "President Qian, I plan to have Lu Chuan direct 'The Three-Body Problem'."

Qian Tao suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with surprise.

"Mr. Tan, are you sure? Although Lu Chuan is talented, he is still a newcomer. Isn't it too risky to let him direct such a big project as 'The Three-Body Problem'?"

"Only by taking risks can we have a chance." Tan Yue waved his hand, his tone firm.

"The Three-Body Problem is hard science fiction. Many veteran directors are prone to falling into the trap of showing off special effects, while neglecting the emotional core of the story."

"Lu Chuan's lenses have warmth, and he can grasp the humanistic concern behind science fiction, which is the most valuable thing. Of course, we can't let him carry the burden alone. I will find an experienced director to be the assistant director to guide him from the side, so as to give newcomers a chance and ensure the quality of the project."

Qian Tao suddenly realized, and his face lit up with joy: "This is a great idea! It can train new people in the company and ensure the quality of filming 'The Three-Body Problem'. Lu Chuan will be thrilled if he knows this news."

"Don't rush to tell him. First, we need to select an assistant director," Tan Yue instructed. "Find an experienced director who specializes in science fiction. Once the assistant director is chosen, call Lu Chuan over and explain the situation to him in detail."

"Okay, Mr. Tan, I'll get right on it!" Qian Tao picked up his tablet and left the office excitedly, his steps lighter than usual.

Tan Yue watched his retreating figure, smiled helplessly, but felt a surge of anticipation for the filming of "The Three-Body Problem".

With Lu Chuan's talent and the guidance of a veteran director, I believe this script, into which he has poured his heart and soul, will be perfectly presented on the screen.

Qian Tao jogged back to the TV drama department. As soon as he reached the office door, he saw Lu Chuan sitting at his workstation, editing the post-production of "Deep in the Old Alley" on his computer, his brows slightly furrowed and his expression focused.

"Lu Chuan, come here for a second." Qian Tao waved, his voice filled with barely suppressed excitement.

Lu Chuan quickly stood up and walked briskly to Qian Tao, his face showing some nervousness: "Mr. Qian, is there a problem with the editing of 'Deep in the Old Alley'?"

"No, it's good news." Qian Tao patted his shoulder, pulled him to the conference room, closed the door, and then lowered his voice to say, "President Tan was very satisfied with your short video 'Stardust' and decided to appoint you as the director of the script personally written by President Tan, 'The Three-Body Problem'!"

Lu Chuan froze instantly, his eyes widening as if he couldn't believe his ears. His lips moved, and after a long pause, he managed to squeeze out a sentence: "Director Qian, you...you're not kidding me, are you? 'The Three-Body Problem'? You mean the hard science fiction script that President Tan wrote? And you want me to direct it?"

"Of course it's true! President Tan said it himself, how could it be false?" Qian Tao couldn't help but laugh as he looked at his excited expression.

"However, Mr. Tan also considered that you are a newcomer, so he will find an experienced director to be the assistant director and guide you from the side. You don't need to worry about not being able to handle it."

Lu Chuan's hands trembled slightly, tears welled up in his eyes, and his voice choked with emotion: "I...can I really do it? The Three-Body Problem is such a big project, I'm afraid I won't be able to do it well and will let down President Tan and the company's trust."

Although he was talented, he had only directed short films and low-budget feature films before. A big-budget production like "The Three-Body Problem" was undoubtedly a huge challenge for him. He was excited, but even more so, he was apprehensive. "Of course you can do it!" Qian Tao patted him on the shoulder, his tone sincere.

"Mr. Tan is a good judge of character. If he believes you have the ability, then you definitely can do it. Plus, you'll have an assistant director to guide you, and the company will provide you with the best team, from cinematography to special effects—all top-notch in the industry. Just focus on filming with confidence. If you encounter any problems, Mr. Tan and I will support you."

Lu Chuan took a deep breath, nodded vigorously, and held back his tears: "Thank you, Director Qian, thank you, President Tan! I will definitely work hard, even if it costs me my life, to make 'The Three-Body Problem' a success!"

"That's right!" Qian Tao said with a smile, taking a thick script out of the drawer and handing it to Lu Chuan.

"This is the complete script of 'The Three-Body Problem.' Take it back and read it carefully. Study the characters and plot thoroughly. This afternoon, come with me to the conference room to join the storyboard production team and familiarize yourself with the shooting ideas in advance."

Lu Chuan took the script, his fingers gently tracing the words "The Three-Body Problem" on the cover, his heart filled with excitement and awe.

This was the opportunity he had been dreaming of, and also the most important challenge of his career.

He knew he had to put in his utmost effort to live up to that trust.

At 2 p.m., Qian Tao brought Lu Chuan to the conference room, where the storyboard production team was discussing the scene design of the Red Coast Base. The whiteboard on the wall was covered with sketches, and a thick first draft of the storyboard script was spread out on the table.

"Everyone, please stop for a moment. Let me introduce myself." Qian Tao clapped his hands, signaling everyone to be quiet.

"This is Lu Chuan, who will be the director of 'The Three-Body Problem' and will be working with us to complete the storyboard. Please welcome him!"

The meeting room erupted in enthusiastic applause. The team members were all long-time employees of the company and knew Lu Chuan well. They all greeted him with smiles.

"Director Lu, please guide me in the future!"

"We've all seen Director Lu's 'Stardust,' and it's exceptionally well-made. I'm confident that 'The Three-Body Problem' will be a hit under your guidance!"

Lu Chuan quickly clasped his hands in thanks, his face showing a hint of shyness: "You're all too kind. I'm a newcomer, and there's a lot I still need to learn from you all. I hope that in the days to come, we can work together to complete the storyboard for 'The Three-Body Problem'."

Afterwards, Lu Chuan sat down at the conference table, opened the script of "The Three-Body Problem," and earnestly participated in the discussion.

Although he is a newcomer, he has a unique understanding of science fiction, as demonstrated in the discussion of the camera work for the Red Coast Base.

He suggested using a low-angle lens to photograph the radar antenna, combined with the light and shadow of a cloudy day, to create a depressing atmosphere, which perfectly matched Ye Wenjie's mood at the time and was unanimously approved by the team members.

Qian Tao smiled with satisfaction as he watched Lu Chuan integrate into the team.

Tan Yue's judgment was indeed correct. Lu Chuan is not only talented, but also knows how to listen and learn. Given time, he will surely become a top director in the industry.

Meanwhile, Tan Yue finished processing the documents at hand and got up to go to the editing room.

The lights in the editing room were dimmed, with only a few computer screens lit up.

Lin Qingye was sitting in front of the computer, staring at the screen, his fingers flying across the keyboard.

Hong Yuanda stood beside him, pointing to a scene on the screen and saying something.

"How's the progress?" Tan Yue walked over gently and patted Lin Qingye on the shoulder.

Lin Qingye turned around, a tired but excited smile on his face: "President Tan, you've arrived! The editing of 'Time Ticks' is nearing completion. Only the last ten minutes of footage need to be adjusted, and the initial cut is expected to be completed tomorrow."

Tan Yue leaned closer to the screen and watched as the old watchmaker, Master Zhao, handed the repaired old clock to the young Lin Xiaoyu. The two smiled at each other, and the camera slowly zoomed out, focusing on the old clock shop's signboard. Warm sunlight shone on the glass window, creating a warm and healing scene.

"Well done, the rhythm and emotion are well captured." Tan Yue nodded, his eyes filled with appreciation.

"Especially the scene where Master Zhao and Lin Xiaoyu reconcile, there are no extra lines, and the emotions are expressed vividly through their eyes and actions."

"This is all thanks to the acting skills of Teacher Zhou Ming and Wang Hao. Their performances were so moving," Lin Qingye said modestly. "I just tried to preserve their most genuine emotions during the editing process and didn't do too much deliberate processing."

“That’s the magic of editing,” Hong Yuanda said with a smile. “Director Lin has improved so quickly. He went from only being able to edit according to the timeline to being able to create emotions through the language of the camera. It’s a complete transformation.”

Tan Yue looked at Lin Qingye, his heart filled with relief.

"After the initial cut is finished, let it sit for a few days until your mind is clear, then watch it again and see if there are any areas that need adjustment," Tan Yue instructed. "Show me the final cut before submitting it for review, and I'll help you check it out."

"Okay, Mr. Tan, I understand." Lin Qingye nodded and refocused his attention on the screen.

"I'll work overtime tonight and try to finish the initial cut first thing tomorrow morning. Then I'll rest for a few days and do the fine cut when my mind is clearer."

"Don't stay up too late, take care of yourself." Tan Yue patted his shoulder, turned around and walked out of the editing room.

Sunlight streamed through the windows of the corridor. Tan Yue stood by the window, looking at the busy employees downstairs, his heart filled with emotion.

He took out his phone and sent Chen Ziyu a message: "I'll go home early tonight and take you to eat candied hawthorns in the south of the city. Didn't you say you wanted to eat them last time?"

Soon, Chen Tzu-yu replied with a smiley face and attached a photo.

The photo shows a baby doodle she just drew, with a small figure next to the words "Baby and Mom and Dad" written on it, along with the caption: "Waiting for you to come back so we can eat together. Mom just cooked lotus seed soup and saved a bowl for you."

Tan Yue looked at the message and a smile unconsciously crept onto his lips.

Back in his office, Tan Yue sat down at his desk, picked up the resumes of the actors for "The Three-Body Problem," and began to carefully review them.

Wang Miao, Shi Qiang, Ye Wenjie—one character after another appeared in his mind. He needed to find the actors who best fit the roles so that these vivid characters could step out of the script and be presented to the audience.

(End of this chapter)