Actor: Thank you.

"Tell me about Zhang Yuan, he's got a damn big shot attitude."

In a hutong near Houhai, a man of medium build walked along, complaining as he went.

“That’s certainly true,” a man with an unusual hairstyle and beard chimed in, acting as the straight man.

“Every time, they make us come to him.”

"After all, they are actors who work in Hollywood, so it's normal for them to act like big shots."

"Tch!" The one who spoke first snorted coldly, clearly dissatisfied.

"What's wrong?"

"Does he still think he's some kind of dragon, Li Lianjie?"

"They've made a little bit of money and they think they're all high and mighty."

"Ultimately, his success in the film industry is all thanks to my movies!"

This guy with the smirk that looks so arrogant is Pang Hong, the producer of "Painted Skin".

The one who smiled and agreed, repeatedly saying "Yes, yes, yes," was the new director, 523.

Power is only accountable to the source of its power.

Of course, 523 has to appease the big producer.

They didn't know much about Zhang Yuan and Youku's business, and it wasn't just that Zhang Yuan earned not a little bit of US dollars, but a lot of money.

Pang Hong has been quite remarkable lately!

Because of the success of "Painted Skin", he held seminars everywhere and acted like a big shot.

He was also known in the industry as one of the top ten producers in China.

Zhang Yuan really wanted to ask who the remaining nine were.

You wouldn't happen to have "Top Ten" as your nickname, would you?

In this world, whoever makes money is the boss, and everyone listens to and admires you.

Pang Hong enjoyed this feeling.

Everyone has a good point.

They're either greedy for money, lustful, or crave flattery and like being fawned over.

Most people want all of these.

With the recent trend of remaking the Four Great Classical Novels, this person has also become one of the producers of "The Water Margin".

He was incredibly popular for a time and became a rising star in the film and television industry.

Knowing this person's personality and his dissatisfaction with Zhang Yuan, 523 kept trying to appease him.

He must cherish the opportunity to direct the big IP "Painted Skin" and realize his ambitions.

He incorporated his own designs and ideas into every aspect of the film.

Therefore, when Zhang Yuan looked at the script and design drafts last time, he clearly felt that the artistic style was very different from the first one.

"Mr. Pang, don't worry."

“I am absolutely on your side,” 523 immediately declared.

"On a film set, actors are simply tools to complete the work."

"Those who use this tool should be producers, directors, and other management personnel in the production team."

“Yes!” Pang Hong replied with a straight face.

He needs to side with the producer to maintain his position on the set.

ding dong...

The two arrived at the gate of the Houhai mansion and rang the doorbell.

An assistant came to open the door and invited the two into the courtyard.

Pang Hong smirked again and said impatiently to his assistant.

"What, Zhang Yuan is hiding now that we're here?"

Instead of picking us up in person, they sent a young woman.

“Brother Zhang Yuan is entertaining important guests and is busy,” Zhao Dandan replied bluntly, looking the other person in the eye.

She's a bit simple-minded, but not stupid.

He sensed the other party's rudeness, and had just received his year-end bonus.

So there was no change on the surface, but when they slammed the door shut, it made a loud noise, which startled the two of them.

"What are you pretending for..." the assistant thought to himself.

As a pure "body cultivator," she was being polite by not lifting a finger.

Important guests... The two recovered from their shock and walked inside.

At the same time, he was thinking about how he would report this little sister to Zhang Yuan later!
As for why not just curse directly.

The main reason is the politeness, demeanor, high level of education, and fear of being beaten up by important figures.

"This way, please." Zhao Dandan called into the tea room and led them inside.

"Oh, shit!"

Upon entering the house, Pang Hong stopped in his tracks.

It also stopped me from complaining.

There really is a big shot here!
523 opened its little eyes wide.

A respected senior figure is here!
Of course, it's Zhang Yimou.

Zhang Yuan pulled him aside to discuss business and also invited the two men to his home.

"Zhang Yimou, hello."

"Director Zhang." The two men took the initiative to step forward and greet him.

"Director Zhang, these are the two people I told you about, my business partners."

Zhang Yuan also got up to greet him.

"Please take a seat."

After all four of them were seated, the tea was replaced with fresh tea, which had a wonderful aroma.

"The brand-new script version you requested, along with the design drafts and art book, are all here."

Pang Hong threw it on the table.

"Thank you." Zhang Yuan picked it up and glanced at it.

What about fooling the ghost?

Basically unchanged, it's still the same as last time.

Despite his obvious dissatisfaction, he continued to do as he pleased.

Zhang Yuan smiled at the other person and then spoke.

"It seems that Director 523 is not suitable for this film."

523:! ! !
No?

Is your opening line always this provocative?
“As I said last time, I don’t really like this art style, which is neither Chinese nor Western, and even has a bit of a Japanese feel to it.” Zhang Yuan’s expression was much more direct than last time.

Pang Hong sneered inwardly.

The way you're talking makes it sound like you're the client and we're the service provider.

"I now seriously doubt whether you have the ability to direct such a large-scale production."

“After all, you’ve only directed a few low-budget films before this.”

"I don't doubt your enthusiasm and ambition, I just doubt your ability."

523: ...

It would be better to doubt my passion and ambition.

Zhang Yimou watched from the side, his face serious.

Because he discovered that Zhang Yuan's attitude had changed drastically before and after!

When talking to myself, I am consultative and very polite.

But she becomes assertive when it comes to work, like when discussing "The Flowers of War".

He was still a little uncomfortable, thinking to himself, "I am the elder, and you, a junior, are pointing fingers at me. Even if you are an investor, it's inevitable that I will have some opinions."

Now, comparing his attitude towards 523, Zhang Yimou understands the situation.

They were really being polite to me!
That's respectful enough.

He showed absolutely no respect to other young directors.

Pang Hong was dumbfounded.

What... did you take some gunpowder today?
I haven't even complained yet, and you've already started talking.

523 awkwardly touched his nose and glanced at the producer again.

He knew in his heart that Zhang Yuan's actions were probably not entirely directed at him.

He was dissatisfied with the production team and had disagreements about creative concepts, but he couldn't directly criticize Pang Hong.

In theory, Zhang Yuan is also an investor in the film, just not with that much power.

"We have a contract."

While 523 was still grumbling to himself, Zhang Yuan turned his attention to Pang Hong.

"According to the contract, I have the right to make changes to the script and the filming process."

Zhang Yuan: Can you stand up for this (contract)?

He then pointed to himself.

"The audience recognizes the main characters in this film."

"I am also one of the main characters."

"If we can't reach a consensus, how can we create a work that satisfies the audience?"

"My advice is that if it can't meet expectations, it's better not to film it at all, so as not to ruin the brand."

The two men immediately realized that Zhang Yuan was using his face as leverage. Zhang Yuan: Can this (face) make money?

"That's not very interesting."

Pang Hong looked on with disdain.

In the eyes of ordinary people, you are a star, but in my eyes, you are just a beggar on your knees.

"The style of the script is decided by everyone, not by any one person alone."

"And I think director 523 is very capable and very suitable for this project."

With the producer's support, 523 straightened his back.

Hey!

Fortunately, my constant flattery of Pang Hong had some effect.

Sure enough, I had to seize the opportunity presented by the conflict between these two in order to live comfortably in the cracks.

"I see..." Zhang Yuan's fierce momentum vanished, and he lowered his head, looking very dejected.

Pang Hong and 523 were secretly delighted.

Hmph, nothing special. It was just an act to fool people.

"Do you think Director 523 is capable enough?"

"Correct."

"You think the script and art style are both very good."

"Yes."

"Oh..." Zhang Yuan nodded gently.

“Mr. Pang, do you remember that when we signed the contract, I mentioned an additional condition?”

"It means I have the authority to recommend a producer to the production team to ensure that our collaboration satisfies both parties."

"Weren't you planning to be the producer yourself?"

Just like when he was appointed as the producer of "The Water Margin", Pang Hong thought that he wanted to be listed on the production team of a major work to enhance his resume.

This is called judging others by one's own standards.

"No, I never intended to do that," Zhang Yuan said with a smile, waving his hand gently.

"I have always wanted to find a highly respected, virtuous and talented professional to take on this important task."

"We didn't mention it before because we couldn't find it."

"We've found it now."

"Who..." Pang Hong had barely finished speaking when he glanced at the old strategist beside him, and his head buzzed!

Zhang Yuan smiled and nodded.

He then pointed at the two of them.

With this and this, can we earn money while standing up?

Do you think I deliberately let Zhang Yimou listen in so that it would be more lively with more people?
He had long seen how arrogant Pang Hong had become.

He has a personality similar to Xu Pipi and Jack Ma, who can't keep his mouth shut and likes to stir up "big things".

In addition, 523's art appreciation ability is quite "unconventional".

He likes dark and eerie things, and this style can be seen in all his works.

He had already considered ways to achieve a balance and gain more say in the production team.

The method is also very simple, just like in Cage's uncle's movie, The Godfather.

We need to give them a reason they can't refuse.

He kept the producer position open, just to wait for Zhang Yimou.

In terms of artistic appreciation and the use of color in film, Zhang Yimou is considered to be among the top-tier in China.

It cost millions to recolor "Hero," so tell me if it was worth it.

You might say you don't like some of Zhang Yimou's films, but his taste is always impeccable.

With all that gold and silver in "Curse of the Golden Flower," if they used a 523 to film it, the result would probably be incredibly tacky.

Zhang Yimou has a high level of artistic cultivation; otherwise, he wouldn't have been chosen as the chief director of the Olympic opening ceremony.

Zhang Yuan deliberately let the road pass by in order to capture the enemy.

"I was originally discussing it with Director Zhang."

"Let him help out and become the producer of our 'Painted Skin 2'."

"Especially in controlling artistic special effects, visuals, and costumes."

"Since Mr. Pang thinks that Director 523 can handle the job on his own, and I see that Director Zhang is quite busy, let's forget about it."

"No!" Pang Hong, his face full of righteous indignation, raised his hand to stop him.

With his current aura, he could easily film an anti-corruption advertisement.

"I think Director 523 is still too young and lacks ability."

523: ...

Is that mouth even a mouth anymore?
Just a minute ago, they were praising me and supporting me.

"He needs a highly experienced director to support and help him."

"I agree with your idea and I acknowledge your opinion."

Pang Hong: We were just joking around.

The reason for his change of attitude couldn't be simpler.

If this movie could be credited to Zhang Yimou and used for advertising, how much would we save on marketing and distribution costs!

Can 523's reputation compare to that of Zhang Yimou?
When the time comes, the subtitles will put "Zhang Yimou" at the very beginning.

Even if you're just a producer, you still have to write "Zhang Yimou's work".

That's why he couldn't refuse.

Zhang Yimou's name is too tempting!

Zhang Yuan discussed with Zhang Yimou that he was preparing for a new film, but filming wouldn't start anytime soon.

When I have some free time, I'll help keep an eye on things here. I'll discuss it with the production crew and get paid accordingly.

Other directors get tired just focusing on one thing, but Zhang Yimou, like a professional RTS player, has mastered the basics of operating on two fronts.

He doesn't sleep; his energy is terrifying.

His physical gifts would make even the notoriously hard-working Emperor Yongzheng envious.

Zhang Yuan mainly wanted him to control the artistic style.

First, we need to change Yoshitaka Amano's purely Japanese style.

The original style of "Painted Skin 2" was similar to that of "The Promise" in many ways, both featuring Japanese-style clothing and decorations.

No, it has to be changed to a traditional Chinese style.

We can no longer create villains resembling "Voldemort," and the villain designs must follow the ancient style of the Han and Tang dynasties.

I'm determined to cure your foreign worship and slavish obsession with foreign things.

Moreover, the previous script reduced his screen time and added two female leads.

"I think the script also needs some revisions."

"Director Zhang is very experienced and can participate in the discussion."

It was originally one against two, now it's two against two, we've got some fun.

Watch how I add drama to my own life.

Pang Hong cheerfully said that everything was negotiable, as long as Zhang Yimou was willing to participate, anything was fine.

Meanwhile, 523 looked worried and anxious.

what about me?
Zhang Yuan brought Zhang Yimou into the film crew, so what am I?
Does anyone still listen to me?

Originally, Pang Hong needed him to check and balance Zhang Yuan, and he was happy to do so, also hoping to increase his own power in the film crew.

What's the point of maintaining checks and balances now?
I've become the assistant director...

Due to the intervention of Zhang Yimou, an external force, the original balance was completely broken.

523 became the one who was sacrificed.

Who told you to be the weakest?

Zhang Yuan was quite satisfied with this.

very good!

Both internally and externally, the situation stabilized thanks to the arrival of Zhang Yimou.

Only then can I focus on my work.

They ate together and drank quite a bit, with Pang Hong constantly flattering Director Zhang.

523 appeared enthusiastic on the surface but was depressed inside.

After finishing our meal, we saw them off.

Zhang Yuan discussed with the famous director about going to Nanjing.

We need to see how the scenic area is doing, according to the local government of Shiqiu Town, Lishui District.

Once the contract is signed, the other party will build a film and television city according to Zhang Yimou's requirements, which will require an on-site visit.

"By the way, Director Zhang." Zhang Yuan poured some tea for the other person.

"After we go to Nanjing, will you accompany me on a trip to the South?"

"What's wrong?" Zhang Yimou raised an eyebrow. "Are there other film crews?"

"No, you're already busy enough, I can't trouble you any further."

"It's a matter for the production crew, related to filming."

"We need your help with some things..." (End of Chapter)