The King of Directors 2000

Chapter 453 Determining the Actor
Lee Sheng Yew did not agree to the cooperation plan proposed by Fok Wenxi at the beginning. He changed his approach and agreed to let Yinghuang's artists star in an idol drama by Feng Hua, while Hu Ge played the original role of Deng Chao in "Detective Dee: The Empire of Heaven". .

Huo Wenxi thought about it for a while, and said that he still needed to go back to Hong Kong Island to discuss it.

This is how it went.

This morning, the sun was shining brightly, and Li Shengyao came to the company. He had some official business to deal with.

At this moment, the assistant came in, "Boss, Guo Xiaodong's agent called me last night, saying that Guo Xiaodong wants to play "Sicario", either as the leading role or as a supporting role."

Li Shengyao was stunned when he heard this.

When writing the script of "Sicario", he seriously considered whether a handsome artist is suitable for a hero or heroine.

The conclusion was that none of them were suitable. He didn't think much about it at the time and gave it up.

In addition to the male and female protagonists, he planned to leave other roles to the assistant director.

Hearing the assistant's words at this time, some pictures from nine years ago suddenly flashed in his mind. At that time, he had nothing and got an investment, and then found Guo Xiaodong, Zhao Yang, and Zu Feng to shoot together. His first TV show.

In the early years, he would go out to have barbecues with them, and have dinner together from time to time. Later, except for chatting at the company's annual meeting, he rarely communicated with them.

Except for Yan Danchen, several others became increasingly distant from him.

It's not that everyone's personality is different, it can only be said that the social life of adults is like this, everyone likes to find people who are helpful to them.

Just like Li Shengyao and Han Sanping, they meet every now and then.

Relatively speaking, apart from his assistants and crew members, Director Han can be regarded as the man Li Shengyao had the most contact with in the country.

Hearing the assistant's words at this time, he felt a little emotional in his heart.

Guo Xiaodong's overall temperament is good, and his acting skills are also good. He can play a member of a special operations team.

He then thought of other roles in the movie, such as the two drug lords, the little drug dealer, and the senior leaders of the special operations team. These roles can actually be given priority to talented artists.

Of course, such roles are not very important, and the pay is not as high as starring in a long-form TV series. It is up to the artists to decide whether they want to play them.

"Tell the assistant director who is selecting the actors. If possible, try to find suitable actors within Fenghua."

"Yes."

The assistant then left.

Li Shengyao sat down, took out his mobile phone, thought about it, and then called Yan Danchen.

Yan Danchen was filming at this time, but he happened to be taking a break and did not disturb her.

"I have been very busy in recent years and have not had time to hang out with Zhao Yang, Guo Xiaodong and the others. Do you have much contact with them?"

"Of course, I'm not like you. You are a big director and fly around all day long. I am a small actor. We often have dinner together."

She has a close relationship with Li Shengyao and speaks more casually.

Li Shengyao nodded, "I seem to have broken away from the organization, you didn't mention me, did you?"

"No, we are not ignorant people. We are very happy that you can fly higher. After all, the better you are, the more qualified we are to brag."

"Thank you."

"Have you exercised these days?"

Yan Danchen suddenly said something.

Li Shengyao nodded, "I do morning exercises every morning."

"I'll be back in Yanjing in two days, wait for me."

"Row."

……

Li Shengyao is still very busy in the past few days, mainly thinking about who is suitable to be the leading actor and actress. He has talked with several assistant directors, and everyone agrees with Zhang Ziyi and Duan Yihong.

This morning, Li Shengyao received a call from Han Sanping, and then drove to Yanjing Dihao Hotel.

After a while, he saw Han Sanping, Jing Tian, ​​and a middle-aged man.

Han Sanping is still the same and looks very good. "Jianguo Daye" has been completed a long time ago and is now in post-production. The effect should be very good.

He is now in his prime.

Jing Tian's words are much more mature and his eyes are more peaceful than when Lee Sheng Yew was filming "Taken 1".

She is still very beautiful, she has nothing to say about her appearance, she looks without makeup, her long hair is simply scattered on her shoulders, and she has a sense of purity that other stars don't have.

She is like a little princess who has not experienced much in the world. Her temperament at this time is actually very suitable for acting in idol dramas.

However, her team wanted to get it right in one step and had to join the film industry.

She was wearing short sleeves and jeans at this time, and her figure was a little thin, but this figure actually looked just right in the camera.

"Hello, Director Li."

"Hello."

Compared to before, Jingtian was obviously more reserved and polite.

"Director Li, I have been admiring you for a long time. I am Jing Tian's uncle, and my name is Liang Yun."

The middle-aged man next to Jingtian spoke immediately.

This person has an average appearance, with a slightly fat body, and his hair is all set back. When he is standing, he puts his hands in front of his body, leans back slightly, and has habitual scrutiny in his eyes. He looks like a confused person. Officials.

Li Shengyao nodded, then sat down.

It's not time to eat yet, but you can drink morning tea.

There are many exquisite pastries on the table, as well as some popular breakfasts in Yanjing area.

Even though Li Shengyao had eaten breakfast, he was still a little moved when he looked at the delicious food on the table.

"Director Li, come and try the Pu'er picked last year."

Liang Yun was very enthusiastic, got up and poured tea for Li Shengyao.

It is definitely good tea. Before drinking it, Li Shengyao smelled a sweet and mellow tea fragrance.

He smiled and nodded, then raised his teacup, took a sip, and suddenly felt a strong fragrance flowing into his throat, as if his whole body had been smoked by this fragrance, his skin and hair could feel the fragrance of tea.

It seems to be more advanced than the Pu'er he drank before.

"Director Li, if you like it, we'll give you a catty later."

Li Shengyao knew that this was a good thing, but he was afraid that if he had money, he might not be able to buy it.

He smiled and shook his head, "I actually don't know how to drink tea, it's a waste to give it to me, let's leave it to someone who understands tea."

Liang Yun raised his eyes and glanced at Han Sanping, with doubt in his eyes.

According to his information, Director Li likes tea very much.

Han Sanping noticed Liang Yun's eyes, but there was no response.

He didn't express much, he was actually a little annoyed by this morning's invitation, he already owed Li Shengyao a favor, and he didn't want to owe another favor for Jingtian.

So he didn't say much, just sat quietly, just as an introducer.

Liang Yun then started to speak, one after another, all good words, but in fact they were not very nice. Ordinary people may not be able to hear them. Li Shengyao was more sensitive, and he could feel the superiority of Liang Yun's system.

Finally the talk was almost over, Liang Yun revealed the real purpose of inviting Li Shengyao this time.

"Director Li, we came here this time mainly to trouble you and bring my niece."

Li Shengyao glanced at Jing Tian, ​​at this time Jing Tian had already entered Yanjing Film Academy and released a single EP, which was said to be arranged by Zhang Yadong.

In addition to "Taken 1", I have also acted in three movies in the past two years. Among them, this year I have finished filming a romantic comedy starring He Rundong.

So now let Li Shengyao bring Jingtian, should he arrange for her to act in a movie, or arrange for her to enter Fenghua and act in an idol drama?
"Mr. Liang, can you be more specific?"

"We want her to star in your new movie, Sicario."

Hearing this, Li Shengyao frowned slightly.

He is currently considering candidates for a female lead role, and after much consideration, he plans to choose Zhang Ziyi.

This choice may not be perfect, but it is absolutely reasonable, and outsiders can't say anything.

Many actresses went to Fenghua to audition, and Zhang Ziyi also went.

If Jing Tian, ​​a related household, is selected at this time, and the results are announced, everyone will say that Director Li played tricks on those actresses who auditioned in the past.

There are already paratroopers, and they have to pull people over to serve as a foil.

It's not kind.

Although this kind of thing may not dampen Lee Sheng-yew's rising momentum, why would he do it for no reason?

What's more, he has always pursued quality, and Jing Tian is not suitable for the heroine of "Sicario".

"Director Li, we can invest 1000 million without the need for movie dividends or movie copyrights."

Well, deep pockets.

Really bring capital into the group.

But can you really do whatever you want with money?
"And we have relationships with Wanda, Shanghai Film, and Light. When the movie is released, the promotion and filming will be top-notch. You don't need to think about it at all, and you don't even need to pay for promotion."

"We can make complete arrangements here, which will definitely satisfy you."

Having money and power is cool, even Wanda is obedient.

Prince Wang dared not comment on Jing Tian.

"One more thing. I heard that "Sicario" needs to be filmed in Southeast Asia. It is quite chaotic there. We can provide certain security support."

This is quite useful.

Li Shengyao arranged for the photographer and assistant director to go south to visit the scene. The domestic part was to find border cities with a sense of story in Yunnan and Guangxi.

As for the foreign part, they don't plan to go to Lao Myanmar to shoot, Lao Myanmar is too messy.

What Li Shengyao meant was to find a poorer city in Laos or Tyrande.

However, the Lao/DR and Tyrande areas are only much safer than Laos and Myanmar, and they are still not comparable to the mainland.

Just like Tyrande, it has always had a very good reputation in Europe and the United States, and is known as the back garden of old men in Europe and America.

However, this country is still publicly criticized by the United Nations, saying that they are the largest human trafficking center in the world.

When the time comes to go abroad for filming, Li Shengyao and the others must find a local security company to be responsible for the safety of the entire crew.

If Jingtian has relevant resources here, it will be useful.

"Director Li, everything I said is true and effective. We can definitely do it."

Li Shengyao glanced at Jingtian and met her eyes. He smiled and nodded.

Just like "Taken 1", Li Shengyao can give Jingtian a small role, but it is impossible to give her a female lead.

With Jing Tian's current acting temperament, there is no way to meet his requirements.

Although the terms Liang Yun said were sincere, they were not enough to impress Li Shengyao.

He then shook his head, "I am very glad that you recognize my ability and movies, but unfortunately, I have no way to agree."

"Jing Tian is not like the heroine I imagined. I can't choose her, but I will remember this. If there is a chance to cooperate in the future, I will give her priority."

Jing Tian felt embarrassed when she heard the words, she immediately stood up, "I'm sorry for the trouble, Director Li, thank you Director Li for your consideration."

Li Shengyao had no prejudice against Jing Tian.

"It's okay. Everyone can see your love for acting. I have always admired you."

Liang Yun frowned. He waited for Li Shengyao to finish speaking, and then said, "Director Li, the terms we just discussed can still be discussed."

He paused and then said: "Instead of 1000 million, we can invest 2000 million. No movie dividends or copyrights are required, as long as you star in her."

Lee Shing Yew estimates that the investment of "Sicario" is about 8000 million, mainly because it needs to go abroad for filming.

In addition, the final ending of his previous life "Striker" was a bit anticlimactic, and the last battle scene was far less exciting than the first three scenes.

Li Shengyao planned to make the last battle scene more exciting and explosive.

If calculated according to the cost of 8000 million, it is not a simple matter to recover the cost later.

If Jingtian gives away 2000 million, it can greatly alleviate the pressure to repay the capital.

But, if it doesn't fit, it doesn't fit.

Although Li Shengyao likes money, when he has to choose between the quality of his works and money, he chooses the quality of his works.

Without hesitation, he followed Liang Yun's words and smiled, "Mr. Liang, this time really won't work. Let's cooperate again when we have a chance."

Liang Yun's face froze when he heard the words, and then turned to Han Sanping, but Han Sanping pretended to be dead.

He was still unwilling to give in and continued: "Director Li, please help me. This time we owe you a favor. If you have any problems that cannot be solved in the future, you can come to us and we will definitely help you solve it."

This sentence is actually a bit heavy, a bit threatening.

Just like toasting on the wine table, many people like to say "If you don't drink, you will lose face".

If you don't agree, it's easy to make enemies.

In Huaxia, offending people in the officialdom is quite troublesome.

However, Director Li has a special status. As long as he doesn't mess around, the higher ups will definitely protect him.

Li Shengyao felt a little unhappy when he heard Liang Yun's words.

In order not to offend others, he did not sneer, nor did he directly and simply refuse, but gave the reason.

But this guy uses officialdom and favors, as if everything can be traded.

They don't seem to have an idea of ​​excellence.

Thinking of this, Li Shengyao stood up, ignored Liang Yun, and nodded towards Han Sanping and Jingtian, "I have to leave first. Let's talk later."

Han Sanping noticed Li Shengyao's face, looked at Liang Yun speechlessly, and then said, "Director Li, I'll see you off."

Liang Yun came back to his senses and realized that Li Shengyao's identity was extraordinary. Although he had not won an international award, he was not an ordinary director. He immediately stepped forward and said apologetically, "Director Li, I was impatient just now, don't mind , I'm not trying to force you, I'm just worried about Jing Tian, ​​please forgive my recklessness."

"It's all my fault. I'll buy another table of wine tonight and apologize to you."

Li Shengyao stopped, glanced at Jingtian, and then said: "Mr. Liang, no need, I have something to do tonight and can't come over."

"I understand your behavior, but I really can't agree here."

"Think about it for your self-study. There are so many actors in the mainland. Except for Zhang Ziyi who is a movie heroine, everyone else first acted in TV dramas, honed their acting skills, and then switched to movies."

"It takes a process here, don't worry."

Liang Yun nodded immediately, "Yes, yes, yes, you are right."

This one is like an answering guy now, but his words don't distract him at all.

But Li Shengyao didn't care. He was a little unhappy just now, but not angry.

People who are not in the same field, it is normal not to play together, as long as everyone does not interfere with each other in the future.

What he said just now was for Jing Tian.

Jing Tian was thoughtful when he heard the words.

Li Shengyao smiled, then strode towards the layman.

Soon after, Li Shengyao left in a car.

Han Sanping complained to Liang Yun, "Don't put your style in the entertainment industry, people who engage in art are much more stubborn."

"It's my fault, it's my fault."

Liang Yun then turned to Jing Tian, ​​"Xiao Tian, ​​I'm sorry, uncle messed up this time."

"It's fine, and I think Director Li's words are very reasonable. Maybe I shouldn't just stare at the movie. I can act in TV dramas first."

Han Sanping rolled her eyes at Liang Yun when she heard the words, "The most popular TV series is Li Shengyao's idol drama, you, send two catties of Pu'er there some other day, be more sincere, and talk about it later."

……

Jingtian's incident did not affect Lee Sheng-yao, who was still busy preparing for "Border Storm".

A male and female lead actor has been confirmed.

Considering the need to give the actors preparation time, he planned to finalize the matter early and then give the script to the two leading actors.

This morning, Li Shengyao met Zhang Ziyi and Duan Yihong, as well as their managers.

He then took out the contract and expressed his cooperation.

According to the contract, Zhang Ziyi's salary is 500 million, and Duan Yihong's salary is 300 million.

At this time, film salaries for mainland actors and actresses were still relatively low, such as Zhao Yanzi's 2 million for "Painted Skin 450" and 400 million for Zhou Xun.

The price offered by Li Shengyao was relatively generous.

"You two, I will confirm the shooting location as soon as possible, and I will join the team for shooting at the beginning of next month at the latest. There is very little time left for you to prepare."

"I hope that the two of you can read the script more, understand the characteristics of the characters, and the theme of the movie."

He paused and then said: "And I want to make it clear that when you shoot my movie and join my crew, except for the guest actors, the main actors are not allowed to leave at will or join the scene, and they must listen to me no matter how they perform. of."

"Of course I'm not saying that actors can't have ideas. If you have ideas, you can come to me and we'll discuss it together. In the end, I'll make the final decision on how to act."

"Two, are you still willing to cooperate?"

Zhang Ziyi and Duan Yihong subconsciously looked at each other when they heard the words.

Neither of them are ignorant people, so they naturally knew about Director Li's temper and rules.

They came here today because they were already prepared.

"Director Li, I am willing."

"Director Li, I am willing too."

After a while, both Zhang Ziyi and Duan Yihong signed the contract.

Li Shengyao stretched out his hand, "We are happy to cooperate."

(End of this chapter)