1990: Starting from Baojia Street

Seeing Liu Wenwu sigh, Liu Heping smiled beside him.

In fact, Zhou Yan did not refuse to solve the problem. Didn't they provide a solution? It was just to simplify this paragraph or even delete it.

It’s just that Liu Wenwu couldn’t accept this solution for the time being.

However, Liu Heping was able to easily accept this plan. He had mentioned before whether this paragraph could be simplified. It was Liu Wenwu who thought that this paragraph in the novel was portrayed very well and he was reluctant to give it up.

From this we can see that there is a difference in thinking between people who work in literature and those who work in film and television.

Liu Wenwu used to work in publishing, so he had a better understanding of literature, but not enough about film and television, and lacked professionalism.

Liu Heping has been writing scripts for so many years that he can tell at a glance whether many things are suitable for film and television adaptation.

Now hearing what Zhou Yan said, Liu Heping actually felt that he saw things in the same light as other heroes.

Zhou Yan then mentioned a few more issues. Compared with the previous one, these issues were all minor ones and it didn’t matter whether they were changed or not.

However, every time Zhou Yan asked a question, he would give another possibility.

Liu Wenwu and Liu Heping heard it and both thought that the other possibility proposed by Zhou Yan was better.

"Teacher Zhou, wait a moment. I'll find a notebook to write down what you said."

Liu Heping stood up to take his notebook and pen, and Zhou Yan also stopped.

After Liu Heping got the notebook and pen back, Zhou Yan continued, "The scene where Zhang Tinglu cheated and was cut short..."

Liu Wenwu and Liu Heping, one listening carefully and the other taking notes seriously, were like two good students in class. The teacher was Zhou Yan.

Before Zhou Yan came, neither of them would have thought that the situation would turn out like this.

Even if Zhou Yan has strong literary skills and accomplishments in film, what constructive advice can he give on this first meeting?

They didn't even think that Zhou Yan could finish reading the script so quickly.

The more Liu Wenwu listened to what Zhou Yan mentioned, the happier he became. Zhou Yan had greatly improved their efficiency.

He had previously determined to solve the script problems within ten days, and now it seems that he may be able to accomplish it today.

Another thing that made Liu Wenwu happy was that Zhou Yan did not question the portrayal of Emperor Yongzheng in the script.

The Yongzheng in their script is actually quite different from the Yongzheng in the original novel.

Although Yongzheng in the novel is an emperor who works hard to govern the country, he is also vicious, complex and scheming, which is basically consistent with the public's inherent impression of Yongzheng.

However, the Yongzheng in the script is patient, resolute, and concerned about the country and the people, which seems to be a bit of a "whitewashing" of Yongzheng.

Liu Wenwu was actually quite worried that Zhou Yan would question this. It wasn’t that he felt Zhou Yan was authoritative, but they were going to cooperate in the future, and if they couldn’t reach a consensus on this issue, the cooperation might encounter problems.

In fact, the original author Er Yue He had objections to their adaptations, but Liu Wenwu had no need to listen to Er Yue He's opinions.

Although Liu Wenwu expressed his respect for Er Yuehe on the surface, in fact, Er Yuehe's opinion was not important because Liu Wenwu had the right not to listen. He paid Er Yuehe 150,000 yuan for the film and television adaptation rights.

But Zhou Yan is different. If they cooperate in the future, Zhou Yan will pay. His opinion is very important and Liu Wenwu cannot ignore it.

After Zhou Yan finished speaking, another hour had passed. Liu Heping's hands were a little sore from writing. He shook his hands and said with a smile, "Teacher Zhou, I have gained a lot today."

Zhou Yan smiled and waved his hand. "Teacher Liu, you are too polite. What I mentioned are minor issues. They have no impact on the overall situation. Even if we don't change it today, there may be changes during the filming later."

Liu Wenwu said, "But since you came here today, we have basically solved all the problems with the script."

After a while, Liu Wenwu also figured it out. Since Zhou Yan and Liu Heping both said that that paragraph should be simplified, there was no need for him to insist any longer.

Once that problem is solved, the problems with the script will basically be gone.

"If that's the case, that's great." Zhou Yan said with a smile.

Liu Wenwu also laughed. He threw a cigarette to Liu Heping, then lit one for himself and exhaled a puff of smoke. He said, "Mr. Zhou, what do you think of the follow-up plan?"

"My idea is very simple. Our studio will pay for the filming, and you will be in charge of the specific shooting. We will not interfere too much."

Zhou Yan’s idea was that Liu Wenwu and the others should have a complete plan. Now that he appeared, there was no need to change their plan. He could just let them proceed according to the original plan.

During the process, their studio sent people over to learn and also to assist them with some miscellaneous tasks.

But Liu Wenwu obviously didn't think so. He wanted to cooperate with Zhou Yan not only because of Zhou Yan's money, but also because of Zhou Yan's abilities and connections.

"Boss Zhou, since we are cooperating, you can't just sit there and watch. I'm counting on your studio for this soundtrack..."

Zhou Yan raised his eyebrows. This was not what he thought.

Looking at Liu Wenwu's behavior, he not only wants his money, but also his people.

But it is understandable. After all, when talking about film and television soundtracks in China now, the first thing people think of is his studio.

Now, Zhou Yan's studio has gathered a large number of musicians, not only Zhou Yan himself, but also signed masters such as Zhao Jiping and Xu Jingqing. In addition to these contracted musicians, there are also resident music workers such as Li Tao.

Zhou Yan didn't think much about it and nodded, "Our studio can help with the music."

This was too easy for them. Zhou Yan remembered that the music director of "Yongzheng Dynasty" was his senior brother Xu Peidong.

When Xu Peidong was studying at the Central Conservatory of Music, he studied under Du Mingxin, and Du Mingxin had a good relationship with Wu Zuqiang and Shi Wanchun, so Zhou Yan also had a good relationship with Xu Peidong.

Since returning to work at Yenching Conservatory of Music in the 1980s, Xu Peidong often returned to the Central Conservatory of Music, so Zhou Yan had met Xu Peidong many times during his student days.

This time, Zhou Yan can go to Du Mingxin for the work on "The Yongzheng Dynasty".

"Mr. Zhou, can you do it yourself?" Liu Wenwu asked.

Zhou Yan smiled and waved his hands, "This project is not suitable for me. I have another more suitable candidate."

"Who is this convenient notice?"

"Boss Liu, I'd better wait until I ask his opinion before I tell you."

Liu Wenwu nodded, "Okay."

When it comes to music composition, Liu Wenwu has full confidence in Zhou Yan.

In fact, Liu Wenwu had thought about incorporating Zhou Yan's palace-style instrumental music into the TV series, because Zhou Yan's songs, whether "Memories of the Forbidden City" or "The Great Wall", sound so beautiful and can easily bring people back to history.

However, he did not say this. Professional matters should be left to professionals. He thought those songs were suitable, but professionals might not necessarily think so.

After talking about the music, Liu Wenwu said, "I don't know about the director..." Zhou Yan immediately waved his hand, "Mr. Liu, you decide the director yourself. After all, you will be the one who often spends time with the director in the future."

As the chief producer, and a chief producer who likes to do everything himself, Liu Wenwu needs a director who can cooperate... or even be obedient.

Compared to ability, obedience is obviously more important.

If a big director with a lot of his own ideas was invited, Liu Wenwu would definitely feel uncomfortable.

The director in the previous life was Hu Mei, but Hu Mei was actually not outstanding in any aspect.

Since her debut, Hu Mei has not had a work that can be called a representative work, nor has she experienced any major productions.

In terms of ability, there are many directors who are more capable than her. In terms of qualifications, she does not have much experience and it is impossible for her to control those veteran actors.

The reason why Liu Wenwu was able to employ her was probably because she was able to listen to different opinions.

Although Zhou Yan let Liu Wenwu decide on the director himself, Liu Wenwu still gave Zhou Yan a general idea of ​​the director.

"I met with several directors before, but I was not satisfied with any of them. I wanted to invite Zhang Li to direct, but he had to shoot Red Lovers and didn't have time to come, and I couldn't wait for him. Later, Wang Hao from CCTV recommended Hu Mei. I watched her Daughter's House and Last Night's Wind and thought they were okay, so I made an appointment to meet her."

"How is the result?"

"We talked once and it was okay. We agreed to meet again next time. I gave her some test questions and asked her to go back and prepare."

Zhou Yan secretly curled his lips and thought, Tsk tsk, Liu Wenwu's tone sounded just like a teacher testing a student.

From the very beginning, his position as chief producer was not equal to that of director.

If it were Zhou Yan, he would definitely not agree to direct "The Yongzheng Dynasty". He could not tolerate the situation where a producer was the head of the family.

It has to be said that Zhou Yan is lucky. He has never encountered such a situation since his debut.

The producer of his first feature film was Hou Xiaoxian, who was basically a figurehead and had little control over Zhou Yan.

Later, when he was making movies, the producer basically played the role of a steward, providing him with some assistance but not exercising any control over him.

Up to now, with Zhou Yan's identity, no producer can control him.

But Hu Mei is different. She has not experienced any big productions in these years, so she is naturally unwilling to give up "The Yongzheng Dynasty".

Therefore, even though Liu Wenwu tested Hu Mei like he was testing a student, Hu Mei would still do as he asked.

"Since it's just okay, do you want to look at other directors?" Zhou Yan asked with a smile.

Liu Wenwu twisted his buttocks and said, "It's not bad actually... It's quite suitable."

Zhou Yan smiled and said, "Oh, it's quite suitable."

He felt that Liu Wenwu's search for a director was like some people who say one thing and mean another in a love relationship. In fact, he was obviously quite satisfied with the other person, but he only said on the surface that the person was not bad.

In just a short while, Zhou Yan had a preliminary understanding of Liu Wenwu. This guy was obviously a stubborn and awkward person.

Liu Wenwu also smiled and asked about the actors, "What does Mr. Zhou think about the casting?"

Zhou Yan asked back, "Mr. Liu, what do you think?"

"I'm considering letting Wang Xueqi come for Yongzheng and Jiao Huang for Kangxi."

When Zhou Yan heard Wang Xueqi, he raised his eyebrows, but he didn't say anything, because from Liu Wenwu's tone, he seemed to have not made up his mind.

"Since you are considering it, let them try it out later."

"Well, I want to wait until the director decides on it first. I still have to work with the director on casting."

Zhou Yan nodded, "Indeed."

At this time Zhou Yan looked at his watch. It was almost seven o'clock. He said, "It's getting late. Let's go have dinner together."

Liu Wenwu also noticed that it was getting late. He patted his thigh and stood up. "Oh, we were so busy talking about work that we forgot about eating. Come on, Mr. Zhou, I'll take you to eat. There's a restaurant on East Street. It's not big, but the food is pretty good. We go there often."

Zhou Yan waved his hand, "No need, let's go to my studio cafeteria to eat."

"Is this too much trouble for you?"

Zhou Yan smiled and said, "We are going to cooperate soon, why bother talking about it. You will also have to go to the studio for future cooperation. It's a good opportunity to go to dinner today, so you can check out the environment in advance."

After hearing what Zhou Yan said, Liu Wenwu nodded and said, "Then I'd better obey your command."

Then Zhou Yan asked the driver to come and take them to the studio.

Because they were still busy with the script that night, they didn't drink.

Halfway through the meal, Zhou Yan suggested, "Teacher Liu, it's not convenient for you to stay in the guesthouse every day to write scripts. Why don't you move to our studio? I'll ask the logistics department to build you a dormitory and then an office so that you can separate your work and life. When other members of the planning team come over later, you will also have a place to stay."

Zhou Yan's proposal really hit the nail on the head for Liu Heping. The guesthouse that Liu Wenwu found for him was average in environment and not very big. If the rest of the planning team came, it would seem a bit crowded.

The most important thing is that his sleeping and working areas are not separated, which makes him very uncomfortable.

He had not said anything before because the current environment was like this. He could not expect Liu Wenwu to get him a place to stay in a big hotel. The cost was too high.

But Liu Heping has no way of getting you to agree to this matter. Everything still depends on Liu Wenwu.

Liu Wenwu certainly knew that this was a good idea, but since the two parties had not yet signed a contract to confirm their cooperation, it was somewhat inappropriate to just let Liu Heping move in.

Zhou Yan probably knew Liu Wenwu's concerns, and said with a smile, "Mr. Liu, don't feel any psychological burden. Whether we cooperate or not, I will let you use this office. If the cooperation is not successful in the end, you can settle the bill with me according to the cost of the guesthouse, how about that?"

Since Zhou Yan had said so much, it would be a bit unreasonable for Liu Wenwu not to agree, so he smiled and said, "Sorry to bother you then."

"Don't bother me. No matter whether we cooperate or not, we will be friends after meeting each other. Since we are friends, it is only right for us to help each other." Zhou Yan said with a smile.

Liu Wenwu nodded, then took Liu Heping's arm and said, "Come on, Mr. Liu, let's toast to Mr. Zhou with tea instead of wine."

Zhou Yan also picked up the teacup and said, "I toast to you."

The three of them clinked their teacups together, then smiled at each other.

The reason why Zhou Yan insisted on dragging them to the studio for dinner was actually because he wanted to get Liu Heping to the studio.

First, he really couldn't stand Liu Heping's working environment and wanted to improve it for him. Second, he wanted to bring Liu Heping to the studio to strengthen the bond between the two parties and ensure that there would be no accidents in the cooperation. Third, he also wanted to win over Liu Heping. If the TV series wanted to have a big development in the future, Liu Heping would be their key cooperation partner. (End of this chapter)