Respawn Entertainment: Days of Glory

Chapter 877 The Beginning of a New Life

Then, based on the story synopsis she had received, Carol began asking questions about specific details.

Sex, leaves, and alcohol go without saying; all the essential elements are present. Humanity, power, family, friendship, and love are also all explored in this film.

As Bian Lang was sketching out what he called the final scene in his mind—the radio station had sunk and the crew were adrift at sea, waiting to die—various fishing boats of all sizes suddenly appeared to rescue them…

Carroll heard this cliché, yet tear-jerking ending and, after a moment of silence, said, "Wave, I'd like to know, when you were conceiving this script, were the storyboards in your mind already quite vivid?"

“Yes, but I don’t have the time to draw every single storyboard, and I can’t be on set every day…” Bian Lang originally thought that Carol wanted to ask him how much freedom a director has, so Bian Lang gave this answer.

But to everyone's surprise, Carol said, "If possible, I would like to recreate the scene in your mind 100%..."

After deciding to seize this opportunity last night, he returned to the hotel and began to carefully study Bian Lang. Inevitably, his attention was drawn to an interview with Lao Mo.

In the interview, Lao Mo shared his creative process for "V for V", including his discussion of Bian Lang's involvement in the creative process.

One sentence in the middle really caught Carol's attention: "After Bian Lang gave me the script, he didn't just wash his hands of it. He drew all the original drafts of the main characters in the early stages, and he also gave me his opinions on the storyboards of some important plots in the later stages, and even drew the line art for me directly."

I think when he was conceiving this script, he must have had a complete picture in his mind. He even talked to me about how to present this scene if it were made into a movie..."

At first, Carole felt a little uncomfortable, after all, she was not a director who agreed with the screenwriter-centric approach, and she had never given up on the artistic pursuit of art films.

But after seeing the sales figures for "V for Vendetta," he instantly lost his temper.

It ranks third on the North American comic book sales chart, with the top two being long-running, large-scale IP series like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The fan base of these major IPs is like comparing heaven and earth compared to *V for Vendetta*.

But the newcomer mortal in "V for Vendetta" managed to break through such a divine situation. If the screenwriter didn't have some talent, who would believe it?

After all, V for V initially gained a base of fans through word-of-mouth, and it was only later that Bian Lang, the screenwriter, came to the attention. Bian Lang's fame actually had a very limited impact on the work.

Therefore, although he had not read the comic, he was absolutely certain of how important Bian Lang was to its success.

Although he has passion, art-house films rely on participating in film festivals and finding distributors to sell them to generate substantial income. However, in the current market, even award-winning films can't compete with commercial films.

Besides, he's not at the level where he can win an award...

So now he not only has no independent ideas, but just wants to be a tool to shoot by looking at the storyboard, to build up his resume of commercial films, and then pursue art after making money!
“Wave, I think it’s like this: if possible, after your script is finished, I can go to China to work and draw as many storyboards as possible. Once we’re fully prepared, we can start filming…”

Upon hearing this unexpected remark, Hinston thought to himself, "Carroll, where are your artistic pursuits and integrity as an art-house film director?"

Bian Lang was also rendered speechless. After all, if he came, it would indeed improve the accuracy of the film, but it might prolong the filming and production time.

But after thinking for a moment, he agreed, "Director Carol, I'm all set. You can discuss the rest of the business matters with my agent..."

Before Carol could even utter a word of surprise, Bian Lang continued to say to Sinston, "Sinston, your work here should begin now. If you're sure everything is alright, you can also go and discuss the contract with Evelyn!"

Sinston: "You decided that easily?"

Bian Lang: "Yes, since you're professionals, I'll trust you. As for what other people the crew needs, you can discuss it with Evelyn." After a pause, Bian Lang added, "Leave someone for the assistant director position for me. I'll have a friend come and learn from you..."

Carol hadn't expected Bian Lang to agree so easily, but upon hearing the last sentence, she suddenly realized: "So there's someone supervising, that makes sense..."

"No problem. Is he in China? Then I can bring him along when I'm preparing the storyboards..."

"Thank you, Director Carol. I hope we have a pleasant collaboration!" Bian Lang made the decision so readily mainly because of Carol's attitude.

If someone starts by putting on airs, Bian Lang will find it exhausting. Even if they are truly more capable than Carol, the time and effort required for them to work together and gel will be a major headache for Bian Lang.

Filmmaking isn't Bian Lang's main profession, so he can't possibly put the same level of dedication into it as he does into music. Therefore, it would be ideal to have a director like Carol, who is recognized by people in the industry and is willing to cooperate.

As for the assistant director, that position is definitely reserved for Qiu Luo. There's no such thing as a military supervisor; even if someone were to be appointed, it wouldn't be a technically skilled person like Qiu Luo.

After the three of them finalized their intentions, Ivo, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up:

"We want to make a cameo appearance!"

Where is our song?

Speaking of this, Bian Lang will definitely take care of it. The opening theme song, The Kinks' "All Day and All Of The Night," will definitely be reserved by Bian Lang for Rolling Stone's own use.

There are quite a few songs left from the bands, and if their styles are suitable, then those two bands will definitely be the first choice.

The selection of singers for the other songs was based on Bian Lang's memory of vocal characteristics, with music director Xinston in charge of the selection.

As for the order of closeness and distance, Bian Lang believed that Evelyn would take care of it for him, and he didn't need to worry about it at all.

"Once I finish writing the song, you can contact Sinston first!"

Hearing this, Sinston felt flattered. In the past, although he was also the client in this position, he didn't have much say when dealing with big-name singers and bands.

But given the current situation, doesn't that mean that any singer who covets Bian Lang's works, regardless of their status, has to come and talk to him, the potential client?

Especially those who had previously acted arrogantly in front of him, just thinking about their faces as they came begging for his help this time, made Sinsston feel secretly pleased.

Of course, although Bian Lang didn't say it, he knew that the principle of prioritizing the work itself was unbreakable! "Okay, Wave, I'll finish my other work as soon as possible, and then wait for your song..."

Sinston's plan is to spend two to three weeks finishing what he's currently doing, and then go talk to Evelyn about the contract and reporting.

To his surprise, he received a call from Kyle at noon on the very next day.

"Synston, where are you?"

Sinston was completely bewildered by Kyle's question: "I'm in the studio, Mr. Kyle, what can I do for you?"

"The first batch of songs Wave prepared for 'Pirate Radio' has already reached Evelyn. When are you planning to come over to discuss the contract? To be honest, I didn't expect Wave to be so fast."

And you understand, we're helping Wave assemble a film crew, and the workload we're currently preparing for is considerable. Hurry up and sign the contract…”

"But, is it really necessary to go that fast?"

"It's up to you, but I can tell you this: although Wave has decided to use you, I can't guarantee that Evelyn won't take the rights to these songs in exchange for resources if you're not on duty!"

Startled by that, Sinston immediately exclaimed, "Mr. Kyle, are you at DGM headquarters? I'm coming right now..."

After hanging up the phone, Kyle smiled at Evelyn across the desk and said, "Actually, you could really take your time. Use these works to exchange for resources with other companies first. This would be a great thing for both Rolling Stone and DGM, maximizing their profits."

"The copyright belongs to Wave, and the people Sinston chooses will ultimately be confirmed by Wave. Wave won't completely relinquish control over music like other companies do. This resource will eventually return to us..."

Hearing such confident words, Kyle laughed and said, "Evelyn, it seems you've improved a lot since you started working with the Rolling Stones!"

"Indeed, Rolling Stone and Wave have a much wider business scope than Hater, and they can reach more resource providers..."

“I have some materials here that you can take a look at. I don’t know what Wave is thinking, how he plans to assemble this filming team, and the producer will definitely be one of our own people…”

Evelyn understood immediately: Bianlang's decision to release over 30 songs at once, in its simplest terms, violated the principle of scarcity. As Rolling Stone's sole partner, how DGM could maximize profits from these songs was no simple matter.

As for why they rushed to bring Sinston over and sign a contract, it was obviously to make it easier for Evelyn to deal with the singers and agents within DGM. Even family members have to keep clear accounts, let alone colleagues who might be competitors.

It would be in Bian Lang's best interest for him to play the bad cop and she play the good cop.

When she took over as Rolling Stone's manager, DGM's most senior manager told her, "Evelyn, I have high hopes for Wave. If you want to be among the top people in this industry, Wave may be the best opportunity of your life."

Evelyn understood immediately; it meant she should cling tightly to Bian Lang, and even become his personal manager in the future…

Although the Rolling Stones haven't brought it up, she's certain it's only a matter of time. The name Rolling Stones gained meaning because of Bian Lang, but Bian Lang and the Rolling Stones are not synonymous.

When they signed the contract with Rolling Stone, there were no service terms for Bianlang's business other than music. But now that they've encountered this situation, Evelyn won't talk about money first and then do the work, and she probably won't even bring it up herself.

But since she didn't bring it up herself, Chen Shuting wouldn't let Bian Lang and Rolling Stones owe Evelyn a favor. That very evening, Chen Shuting arranged to meet Evelyn at The Vault of Heaven to discuss the matter.

Chen Shuting arrived at Oxford Street first and saw that there were still Chinese faces queuing at the entrance. She could only sigh: "In this era, some people's memories may really be..."

Once inside The Vault of Heaven, she ordered a Pale Ale, now renamed Rolling Stone Beer, and waited for Evelyn to arrive.

But when the waiter who was serving the drinks came over and saw her, he was so startled that he almost knocked over the tray he was carrying.

Although he managed to steady himself in the end, he still spilled quite a bit of alcohol. He could only take deep breaths to calm himself down before going back to the bar to get Chen Shuting a new drink.

"George, I'm sorry, I spilled the wine, this one is mine..."

Seeing his somewhat absent-minded appearance, George asked, puzzled, "Ike, are you embarrassed because you ran into someone you know?"

George was well aware of Ike's past, and it was only because Ike had told him everything about his past identity and what happened at the Rolling Stones concert that George was willing to give him a chance to turn over a new leaf.

He himself wasn't a good person when he was young, and it wasn't until he inherited this bar that he gradually settled down. So, having similar experiences was one of the reasons why Ike was able to persuade him.

Although he hadn't been on the job for long, Ike learned very quickly and was a very diligent young man. Apart from being a little unaccustomed to it on his first day, this was the first time George had ever seen him like this.

"Um...no, not exactly acquaintances, I saw the lady whose handbag I snatched..."

George immediately realized what was going on: "Oh, it's Wave's agent, Ms. Chen. So, are you planning to continue working for her, or..."

As George spoke, he poured himself a drink and prepared to walk out from behind the bar to replace George.

Firstly, as the boss, he naturally had to greet Chen Shuting; secondly, he wanted to give Ike time to think.

George didn't mention at the time that if Ike encountered someone like Chen Shuting, whom he had hurt, in his future work and didn't take the initiative to apologize, then Ike's job opportunities would be over.

Of course, this wouldn't be immediately; he could give Ike some time to think, but he wouldn't offer any reminders. George believed that only when Ike truly took that step would it be the real beginning of his repentance.

But who would have thought that Ike would encounter Chen Shuting, a "victim" who couldn't be fooled at all, on his very first encounter!

However, before George could even come out from behind the bar, Ike said, "Mr. George, give it to me. I want to apologize to that lady myself..."

(End of this chapter)