Rebirth: I'm filming extra scenes on the set

Chapter 213 Super production, "New Three Kingdoms".

The end of the year is approaching.

Chen Cheng didn't think about the movie anymore.

Chen Cheng planned to rest until the New Year.

but.

Just when Chen Cheng was about to go home early, Huang Jianxin, president of the Directors Association, called Chen Cheng.

"Chen Cheng, there is a movie that wants you to be the producer. Are you interested?"

"President, the Chinese New Year is almost here. Even if you are interested, you have to wait until after the Chinese New Year to discuss it."

"It's okay. This film will be shot after the Chinese New Year. It's just that the investment is a bit large, so many producers don't dare to take it."

"There are still some films that you dare not take on. How much is the investment?"

"Two billion."

"So many, which movie?"

“It’s not a movie, it’s a TV show.”

"A TV series worth 2 million?"

Chen Cheng was a little surprised: "It's impossible, there is such a big investment in a TV series? They are not going to remake the four great classics, are they?"

"You are amazing, you really want to remake the Four Great Classics."

"New Three Kingdoms?"

"Yes, it is the New Three Kingdoms."

"No wonder."

Chen Cheng nodded.

Only a film like The New Three Kingdoms could require such a large investment.

"Why, are you interested?"

"Just so-so."

"You are afraid of losing money."

"It's not that I'm afraid of losing money."

Chen Cheng shook his head and said, "If I make this film, I will definitely not lose money. But, after all, the Four Great Classics have been filmed before. Especially the old version of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which is also a classic. If I accept this, and this version cannot surpass the original one, I will probably be criticized to death."

"You're worried about that."

"Otherwise, if it makes money, there will be no problem. But if you want to make money and have a good reputation, you have to invest another 5000 million."

"2.5 million, you have such a big appetite."

"It's not that I have a big appetite, but if I really take over, I can't let the audience down."

The Three Kingdoms is no different from other TV series.

For other TV series, it doesn’t matter whether they are filmed well or not, as long as they are relatively good.

Or.

For producers, all that matters is making money.

But the Three Kingdoms.

These are one of the four great classics, and they are like gods in the hearts of countless people.

This kind of film can't just be about making money.

You have to consider word of mouth as well.

Just like in the previous life.

The New Three Kingdoms made money, but it was criticized by a lot of people.

This is not what Chen Cheng wants to see.

"Okay, I'll talk to that side."

A few days later.

Chen Cheng was invited to the Television Production Center of Communication University of China.

They are the main investors of the New Three Kingdoms.

of course.

It wasn't just people from the Communication University Production Center who were present at the scene.

It also includes several other investors.

Looking at Chen Cheng, Wang Ping, the director of the production center of Communication University, said, "Director Chen, isn't 2.5 million a bit too much? You know, 2 million RMB has already set a record for the highest amount of money in domestic TV drama production. We estimated that 2 million is no problem at all."

"It depends on how it's shot. If it's a simplified version, I can make it well with 1 million RMB. But to really make this drama well, to make a Three Kingdoms that is both well-received and commercially successful, 2.5 million is not much, and it may not even be enough."

"Director Chen, can you tell us about the 2.5 million yuan budget?"

I searched among many domestic producers.

A group of investors finally recognized Chen Cheng.

Just when he thought that Chen Cheng had taken over, he didn't expect that Chen Cheng actually increased the budget by another 5000 million.

5000 million is not a lot.

However, they are still considering whether they can recover the cost of the previous 2 million yuan investment.

Now it’s 2.5 million, which puts them under even more pressure.

They had no choice but to invite Chen Cheng.

"The exact 2.5 million yuan may take a long time to discuss. I looked at your budget, and it's roughly the same as mine. The only difference is that the behind-the-scenes production staff I'm looking for may charge a higher price."

“Who are the people behind the scenes?”

"For example, the director of photography Zhao Xiaoding, the art director Huo Tingxiao, the on-site producer Zhang Yan, the costume director Xi Zhongwen, the martial arts director Cheng Xiaodong..."

"Director Chen, can you invite all of these?"

"If there is no conflict in their schedules, it should be fine."

I saw that some of them didn't seem to believe it.

Chen Cheng took out his phone and called Huo Tingxiao first: "Brother, where are you?"

"I'm preparing to go home for the New Year."

"I'm also planning to go home for the New Year. But, I recently came across a project and I'd like to invite you to come out."

"You always say I'm expensive."

"I won't say it this time."

"What project."

"New Three Kingdoms, are you interested?"

"Good boy, you accepted the New Three Kingdoms. Are you the director?"

"Producer."

"Sure, when can I shoot it? If it's early spring next year, I should have no problem."

"It should be early spring next year, but it's just an idea right now. I'll ask you first. If it's confirmed, I'll call you again."

"Ok, I'll wait for your call."

hang up the phone.

Chen Cheng said to everyone, "Huo Tingxiao, the art director of The City Is Full of Golden Armor."

then.

Chen Cheng made another call: "Director Cheng, please help me."

"What big project have you taken on? I heard that your Mythology was sold for 1 million not long ago. It makes me want to make a TV series."

"Luck, luck, mainly because there are many big names supporting Myth. This time I took on a new project, The New Three Kingdoms. How about you be the martial arts instructor?"

"New Three Kingdoms, is it so challenging?"

"I wouldn't dare trouble you, Director Cheng, if there were no challenge."

"I'm OK."

"OK then. I'll talk to them again. If we've reached an agreement, I'll let you know."

hang up the phone.

Chen Cheng called another person, the camera director Zhao Xiaoding.

"Teacher Zhao, I'm Chen Cheng."

"Chen Cheng, when did you think of me, Teacher Zhao? You filmed several movies before, but you didn't invite me to go."

"Teacher Zhao, look at what you said. I want to ask you to go, too, but the previous films only had an investment of more than 1000 million yuan, and the other only more than 4000 million yuan. You are such a great Buddha, it would be embarrassing to ask you to go."

"So now?"

"I have come across a decent project now, with an investment of over 2 million. Mr. Zhao, you have to come and help me."

"When will filming start?"

"It should be early spring next year."

"That won't work. I promised Director Yi."

"No way, Director Yi is already working on a new film? What a hard worker."

"I was forced by you. I've been complaining all the time these days. If I don't make a movie, I'm afraid I'll be outdone by you."

"Director Yi is really good at making fun of me. So... It's okay, we'll contact each other later."

Chen Cheng guessed what happened with Zhao Xiaoding.

As Zhang Yimou's personal photographer, he would definitely help Zhang Yimou first.

but.

Just when Chen Cheng was about to make another call.

Wang Ping from the Communication University Production Center said, "Director Chen, we trust you."

See if a person has the ability.

No on-site required.

All it took was a few phone calls to prove it.

Chen Cheng made three phone calls, and all three were top figures in the industry.

Although these big guys are unknown, it is not easy to invite them to come out.

Unexpectedly.

After Chen Cheng said a few words, several bigwigs were quite cooperative.

The phone call also shows Chen Cheng's status in the hearts of these bigwigs.

"Director Chen, let's think about this again."

"Okay."

Chen Cheng was not in a hurry either.

We cannot be impatient in creating a new Three Kingdoms that is both popular and well-received.

Chen Cheng will not take action without obtaining sufficient funds.

……

A few days later.

Chen Cheng received a call and the investors agreed to invest another 5000 million.

Chen Cheng, the producer, has also been officially confirmed.

But it is different from the previous production myth.

This time Chen Cheng only talked about a 10-point share.

no way.

This investment is too huge.

As the producer, Chen Cheng could only negotiate 10 points.

of course.

It’s not so easy to get a 10-point share.

Chen Cheng must ensure that the New Three Kingdoms cannot suffer losses.

If it's a loss.

Chen Cheng didn't get any share of the profits and could only get some hard work pay.

But at this moment Chen Cheng was very confident.

The Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a huge IP.

Even if it is a previous life.

The New Three Kingdoms makes money just by relying on this IP.

Not to mention, Chen Cheng spent a huge amount of money this time.

But after all, the New Year is coming soon.

All preparations must wait until after the beginning of the new year.

But we can’t just wait until the New Year.

Before the Chinese New Year, there are some things that can be confirmed, and Chen Cheng still wants to confirm them first.

For example, several big producers behind the scenes who I contacted before.

Huo Tingxiao, Cheng Xiaodong, Xi Zhongwen, Zhang Yan...them.

All four said it was no problem.

As for Zhao Xiaoding, there is indeed a schedule conflict.

However, Zhao Xiaoding didn't have time, but he recommended another top photographer, Bao Qiming, to Chen Cheng.

His record is also quite amazing.

Just one thing is enough, he was the cinematographer of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and won the Oscar for Best Cinematography. With Zhao Xiaoding's recommendation, Bao Qiming also readily agreed.

of course.

Chen Cheng did not think this was his charm.

One's own charm is one thing.

The most important thing here is to be able to afford the money.

otherwise.

You say you'll give me some face and only charge the normal photographer's fee, will people come?

and so.

If you want to make a good movie, money is the key.

If there is no money.

It is almost impossible to make a big production like the New Three Kingdoms.

……

After the big production guys behind the scenes were confirmed.

Chen Cheng looked at the list of directors.

Chen Cheng did not select those top film directors from the list of directors.

With so many big names behind the scenes, and a top film director, there might not be enough funds.

Also.

Although Chen Cheng is the producer.

But the importance of the Three Kingdoms.

This time, Chen Cheng will not just be a hands-off producer. Chen Cheng will be more involved in the production of the New Three Kingdoms.

and so.

Chen Cheng chose to be a TV drama director.

If it was an ordinary drama, Chen Cheng would consider Wu Jingyuan.

But for the New Three Kingdoms.

Chen Cheng felt that Wu Jingyuan was still a little lacking. He could be an assistant director, but it was a stretch for him to be the chief director.

Chen Jialin, Yan Jiangang, Gao Xixi, Zhang Jizhong, Zheng Xiaolong, Kong Sheng, Zhang Lai, Li Lu, ... etc.

This is the list drawn up by Chen Cheng and the capitalists.

Inside.

When Chen Cheng saw Zhang Jizhong's name, he laughed.

The name Zhang Jizhong was not proposed by Chen Cheng.

He also didn't know which investor recommended Zhang Jizhong.

It's obviously inappropriate.

How can a director who only makes martial arts TV series make a new Three Kingdoms?

But I looked at Zhang Jizhong's information.

Chen Cheng suddenly discovered.

Zhang Jizhong is a talented person.

He didn’t just make a series of martial arts TV series.

He also served as the production director of the fourth part of the old version of Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Not only that.

In 98, he also produced and filmed "Water Margin".

Until later.

Zhang Jizhong only then began to independently shoot a number of martial arts TV series.

"sharp."

It turns out that people who can make it in life are all capable.

Otherwise, even though Zhang Jizhong has such a bad reputation in the outside world, he is still doing very well.

Although I feel that Zhang Jizhong is still not very suitable for the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

But there was still some time before the Chinese New Year, so Chen Cheng made an appointment with Zhang Jizhong first.

Received a call from Chen Cheng.

Zhang Jizhong was extremely excited.

Maybe he also knew the news in advance.

"Director Zhang, I didn't expect you were still in Hengdian."

"I originally wanted to go home for the New Year, but the crew still has some things to do, so I will stay in Hengdian for a few more days. Director Chen, I haven't seen you for so long, you are amazing."

Met with Zhang Da Huzi in Hengdian.

In fact, nothing happened to Zhang Jizhong.

He had been ready to go back.

But when he heard that the new Three Kingdoms was about to start filming and Chen Cheng was the producer, he was one of the candidates for director.

So Zhang Jizhong kept waiting for Chen Cheng in Hengdian.

Fortunately.

Finally, Chen Cheng arrived.

"Director Zhang, just call me Chen Cheng. Back then, I worked in your crew, and I have to thank Director Zhang for his support."

Chen Cheng recalled the time when The Return of the Condor Heroes was being filmed.

During that period, Chen Cheng was at the bottom of society.

I also started working as a script supervisor, assistant director, etc. at that time.

of course.

Seeing Chen Cheng, Zhang Jizhong also recalled the past.

but.

The assistant director back then has been transformed.

Even Zhang Jizhong was polite when he saw Chen Cheng.

"Director Chen, you are becoming more and more polite. It's a different time now. Who dares to look down on your assistant now?"

"Hey, Director Zhang, let's not be so polite. I believe you also know the purpose of my visit this time."

"Director Chen, go ahead."

Zhang Jizhong made tea for Chen Cheng.

"Director Zhang, this is what happened. The Film and Television Production Center of the Communication University of China wants to make a new Three Kingdoms, and they asked me to be the producer. It's almost the New Year, and I originally wanted to decide on the director after the New Year. But I think the director is the top priority, and now that I have time, I would like to chat with all the directors. Director Zhang, you are the first director I have an appointment with, so tell me, what do you think of the Three Kingdoms?"

"Director Chen, you've asked the right person. Look..."

Pointed to the desk.

Zhang Jizhong took out two books: "This is the original Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and this is the Records of the Three Kingdoms. I have read these two books over and over again. Of course, I am not the first to read them now. More than ten years ago, I was the producer of the fourth part of Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Of course, my producer is not comparable to your producer, Director Chen. I just handle some miscellaneous matters.

But I have always liked the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and I also like the Four Classical Novels. The old version of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms has been out for more than ten years. Looking back now, although the old version was filmed very well, it was limited by the technology at the time and many aspects were not filmed well. For example, there were many bugs in the costumes and props. In addition, the pictures were also relatively rough. I think we have a great advantage in the costumes, pictures, and cast when we remake it now."

"Especially the big scenes. The old version of Three Kingdoms was very restrained in this part. I was thinking, if I were to reshoot Three Kingdoms, apart from other things, I must perfectly restore the big scenes."

Zhang Jizhong did indeed do a lot of research on the remake of The Three Kingdoms.

Chen Cheng also agreed with some aspects.

However, Zhang Jizhong's research is more focused on technology.

Zhang Jizhong talked relatively little about character performance and plot.

Even if Chen Cheng mentioned it himself.

Zhang Jizhong's answer was not particularly satisfactory to Chen Cheng.

finally.

After chatting for more than two hours, Chen Cheng prepared to go home.

but.

When I went back, Zhang Jizhong handed me a card.

Chen Cheng was stunned.

The benefits came even though this film was not made.

It seems that being a producer is a job that offers a lot of benefits.

of course.

Chen Cheng refused.

The refusal does not mean that Chen Cheng is aloof.

The reason for the refusal was that Chen Cheng never thought of Zhang Jizhong.

If Zhang Jizhong is really chosen.

And Zhang Jizhong was so sensible in giving himself benefits.

Chen Cheng would really consider it.

"Director Zhang, there are many eyes on me right now, I dare not accept anything randomly. If it is really confirmed later, Director Zhang, we can talk about it later."

Although he refused, Chen Cheng still spoke in a more tactful way.

Zhang Jizhong thought about it and felt that it was not a good idea, so he said, "Director Chen, I will wait for your call then."

"Ok."

"Director Chen, I'll take you there."

"no, I'm fine."

"It's okay. We just talked for so long, I might as well take a walk and move around a bit."

……

After Zhang Jizhong.

Chen Cheng met with the second director, Chen Jialin.

This is also the director that the investors have planned to name first.

The reason why it ranks first is because of Chen Jialin's status in the world.

The TV series he directed are well-known to everyone.

Such as the last empress, the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Wu Zetian, the Kangxi Dynasty, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, Tan Sitong...

These films are not only highly rated, but are also historical dramas.

There is no problem at all in having this director, who specializes in history, direct The Romance of the Three Kingdoms in terms of his qualifications and ability.

Chen Cheng also admires this director very much.

According to rumors.

The first director hired by the previous version of New Three Kingdoms was Chen Jialin.

But later, for some unknown reason, Chen Jialin actually withdrew.

With doubts.

Chen Cheng met director Chen Jialin.

When I saw Chen Cheng.

Chen Jialin affectionately called Chen Cheng "Junior Brother".

Chen Cheng was stunned.

Chen Jialin said: "I graduated from the Performance Department of Beijing Film Academy in the 60s."

Chen Cheng was a little excited.

did not expect.

Chen Jialin turned out to be his senior fellow disciple.

This senior brother is even many years older than Zhang Yi, Chen Kai... and the others.

Just a pity.

After Chen Cheng explained his purpose, Chen Jialin shook his head and said, "Actually, I received the news some time ago. I am also very excited about directing Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and I am looking forward to it very much. However, I thought about it for a long time, and I still feel that I am not qualified for it."

Chen Cheng was about to speak.

Chen Jialin opened the drawer and said, "Look, there are a lot of medicines in my drawer. I'm old and have all kinds of old health problems. If it's a normal drama, I might be able to shoot it. But for Three Kingdoms, I'm afraid I can't stick with it. I'm also worried that my current physical condition will affect this masterpiece. So, Junior Brother... I can only trouble you to invite other directors."

Chen Cheng also felt extremely regretful.

However, although Chen Jialin refused, Chen Cheng still talked a lot with Chen Jialin.

Chen Jialin communicated his views on the New Three Kingdoms with Chen Cheng.

This benefited Chen Cheng a lot.

Before leaving.

Chen Jialin gave Chen Cheng a notebook.

The notebook contains Chen Jialin's suggestions and ideas for the new version of The Three Kingdoms.

Chen Cheng read it very carefully.

These suggestions and ideas may not necessarily be the most appropriate.

but.

From the lines, Chen Cheng can feel the respect and persistence of the older generation of artists for film and television.

(End of this chapter)