Huayu Entertainment: Who let him be the director!

"Hello, Director Zhou."

"Hello, Zhang Yi."

Amidst the hustle and bustle, actors who received audition invitations rushed to Zhou Qing Pictures.

Because it was just a direct copy, and the time between when I filmed "Operation Red Sea" and the original work was only one year apart.

So those actors who came to audition knew there would be no problem if they thought about it with their thighs.

This is especially true for a talented actor like Zhang Yi.

That’s right, Zhou Qing also sent an audition invitation to Zhang Yi.

Although Zhou Qing let Zhu Yawen replace Zhang Yi, it does not mean that Zhou Qing will give up Zhang Yi.

This person's acting skills are much better than others, and Zhou Qing also values ​​him very much.

He planned to give the most important role besides Zhu Yawen to Zhang Yi, making Zhang Yi the second male lead of "Operation Red Sea".

I believe that with the collaboration of two powerful actors, Zhang Yi and Zhu Yawen, "Operation Red Sea" will definitely be more exciting than the original.

So what about Zhang Yi?
After receiving Zhou Qing's invitation, I didn't dare to delay at all. With full of excitement and anticipation, I quickly rushed over for the audition.

This is the number one director in Chinese entertainment!

How could Zhang Yi remain calm?
"Sit down, Zhang Yi. I auditioned you about seven or eight years ago."

After a simple handshake, Zhou Qing smiled and asked Zhang Yi to sit down.

"Yes, I auditioned for Now You See Me, I didn't expect you, Director Zhou, still remember me."

Zhang Yi was very surprised and astonished by this.

You have to know that at that time, he was just a complete small figure in the entertainment industry.

In front of a top director like Zhou Qing, it's nothing.

Zhang Yi really didn't expect that after so many years, Director Zhou still remembered him.

At the same time, I felt a little excited.

Director Zhou still remembers me. Could it be possible that I will have a chance in this audition?
Although everything is still unknown at the moment, this start is really very optimistic.

"Of course I remember you. Although we didn't work together at that time, you left a deep impression on me."

"I thought at the time that I must work with such a good actor if I have the chance in the future."

"I think this time might be that opportunity."

Zhou Qing's next words made Zhang Yi feel his heart pounding even more.

It is obvious that Director Zhou is very confident in himself!
"Director Zhou, if I am lucky enough to get this opportunity, I believe I will not let you down!"

Zhang Yi immediately straightened his back and patted his chest confidently in front of Zhou Qing.

"I also believe that my vision will not be wrong."

Zhou Qing also smiled, and then quickly gave Zhang Yi the answer, "The role of deputy captain is yours."

Zhang Yi on the opposite side was stunned.

Have you passed it now?
The auditions haven't even started yet.

No, even he and Director Zhou haven't had a few words yet.

Fortunately, Zhang Yi was still very nervous and anxious before coming for the audition.

I was afraid that like last time, I would fail to satisfy Director Zhou and miss out on an important movie.

Therefore, Zhang Yi had been secretly holding back his energy and secretly vowed that he must perform well this time!

As a result, Director Zhou never gave himself this opportunity.

I haven't even shown my performance yet, but Director Zhou has already decided to choose me?
This is a huge surprise.

Zhang Yi was so excited that he almost jumped up from his seat.

"Director Zhou, I will definitely do my best to play this role well!"

After calming down, Zhang Yi once again made many assurances to Zhou Qing.

Zhou Qing absolutely believed this, as Zhang Yi was a capable man and had a military background.

Playing a special forces soldier or something like that is definitely no problem.

Of course, even so, the necessary steps cannot be omitted.

For example, Zhou Qing customized a "military training package" for the protagonist group, and he immediately told Zhang Yi about this request.

"Director Zhou, I have no problem."

"In fact, I kind of miss the days when I was training in the army."

Zhang Yi immediately expressed his attitude to Zhou Qing.

Zhou Qing didn't say anything more to Zhang Yi and quickly signed the contract with the other party.

"Director Zhou."

"Director Zhou."

The situation is similar for the other actors.

The overall casting process went very smoothly and extremely quickly.

Before April even came, all the actors and actresses for the main cast of the Jiaolong Team had been confirmed.

After signing the contract, they made time as quickly as possible and joined the team for military training.

For example, Hai Qing, who plays the female reporter, and Zhang Hanyu, who plays the captain, have not arrived yet.

But it doesn't matter anymore.

When these people come, we can find time to chat.

As for the other roles, Zhou Qing had no intention of asking and left it all to the casting director.

Throughout April, Zhou Qing plans to focus all his energy on the remaining preparatory work.

Judging from the current progress, there should be no problem in starting production in May.

"Have you booked your flight? When are we going to Morocco?"

When they returned to the luxurious villa in the evening, Liu Yifei came over with great interest and couldn't wait to look at Zhou Qing.

Morocco is the most important filming location for "Operation Red Sea", and director Zhou Qing must have gone there to scout the locations.

Originally, the girl hadn’t planned to go there, but she heard that the village of Ait Ben Haddou she was going to was actually a world cultural heritage and was included in the World Heritage List.

Suddenly I couldn't hold back anymore.

It would be a shame not to visit a place like this, right?
Anyway, the girl has nothing to do at the moment, so she just treats it as a trip with Zhou Qing.

"Are you sure you want to go? I told you that the village sounds interesting, but it's actually just that."

Zhou Qing had no objection to this and just explained the situation to Liu Yifei.

"Of course I'll go! It's such a rare opportunity."

Liu Yifei nodded heavily without thinking.

"Then I have to remind you that before going to that village, we have to go to the desert first."

Zhou Qing reminded Liu Yifei again.

There is also a battle that takes place in the desert in "Operation Red Sea".

Fortunately, there is a desert in Morocco, so there is no need to travel to other countries.

"Desert? Okay, okay, I haven't been to a desert yet!"

The girl became more and more interested.

Seeing that Liu Yifei really wanted to go, Zhou Qing certainly wouldn't object.

"Then get ready. We will leave the day after tomorrow."

Zhou Qing told Liu Yifei his arrangements truthfully.

"The day after tomorrow? No problem!"

Liu Yifei made an OK gesture to Zhou Qing.

Then she started looking up various travel guides for Morocco, which made Zhou Qing a little speechless. The girl really treated this trip as a trip.

"Is this the Sahara Desert? It's not quite what I imagined."

After arriving at the vast Sahara Desert, Liu Yifei's interest was still as high as ever and she was extremely curious about it.

He ran around here and there, and took out his cell phone to take pictures non-stop.

No one on the location scouting team brought by Zhou Qing said anything, because this was Director Zhou’s girlfriend!
However, Zhou Qing didn't have time to deal with Liu Yifei for the time being, and instead started to busy himself with his own work.

"Zhou Qing, come here and take two photos for me."

Only after finishing the serious work did I relax a little with the girl.

I took a few photos of the girl with the camera I brought with me.

"Forget it, I'll just take the photo myself. Your composition... well, you don't have any composition at all."

After Liu Yifei took a look, she looked disgusted.

If I had known this earlier, I would have brought my assistant with me.

The same thing happened to the World Heritage Village later on, which made Liu Yifei regret it very much.

The landforms and buildings there are so unique and stylish that it is definitely a perfect place to check in.

It’s just a pity that this time I’m not here to play, but to work with Zhou Qing.

"Zhou Qing, when we have the chance in the future, let's come here to travel again?"

On the plane back, Liu Yifei made a proposal to Zhou Qing with an unsatisfied look.

Zhou Qing naturally had no objection to this and agreed readily.

It is indeed a very good experience to visit this place with a strong exotic atmosphere.

But it seems that there is probably not much time this year.

"Operation Red Sea" was enough to keep him busy for the entire 16 years.

"Producer Liu."

"Producer Tang."

After returning, Zhou Qing continued to be busy with other corresponding preparatory work, needless to say.

"Director Zhou, I can't wait any longer!"

As soon as April arrived, Wang Baoqiang knocked on Zhou Qing's office door, looking impatient.

"Baoqiang, Wu Jing has driven you back."

Zhou Qing glanced at Wang Baoqiang and smiled.

"That's right. If I don't come back, Brother Jing will be furious."

Wang Baoqiang showed a very deceptive smile on his face.

Wu Jing is also very busy, he can't always stay on the crew and be a nuisance, right?

What's more, after working with Lu Yang and Wu Jing, Wang Baoqiang also felt that filming was just that and not that difficult.

Wang Baoqiang's creative desire is now bursting out and cannot be stopped.

"Director Zhou, I think I'm ready and I want to start as soon as possible."

The two sides chatted for a while, and Wang Baoqiang straightened his face again and said to Zhou Qing.

"Don't worry, I said before that I support you to be a director, and I won't break my promise."

Zhou Qing didn't waste any words and made his attitude clear to Wang Baoqiang.

"Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons" was originally Zhou Qing Pictures' 16-year film plan, there's nothing much to say about that.

Upon hearing this, Wang Baoqiang was so excited that he slapped his thigh.

"Since you are ready, I will ask Xiao Liu to submit 'A Journey to the West: Conquering India' for filing."

Zhou Qing continued to speak to Wang Baoqiang, and reminded him, "Also, make the budget as soon as possible."

"In fact, I have roughly estimated Director Zhou that the total cost will probably be more than 1 million."

Wang Baoqiang reported the truth to Zhou Qing and subconsciously observed Zhou Qing's reaction.

For making a movie these days, a budget of 1 million is not too high, but it is definitely not low either.

Especially for a new director, this budget is even more valuable.

Not everyone is willing to spend so much money on a new director.

Fortunately, Wang Baoqiang observed for a while and found that Zhou Qing's expression was normal, without any unhappiness or other reactions.

"Director Zhou, actually, some other film and television companies are quite interested in this movie. Do you think it needs some co-producers?"

However, after some consideration, Wang Baoqiang still spoke weakly to inquire further.

"There's no need for that, Baoqiang. Just focus on preparing for your movie and don't worry about these things."

Zhou Qing waved his hand, once again expressing his attitude.

"Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons 1.2" had a cost of 7.5 million yuan in the original time and space and grossed million yuan, making it a definite hit.

It brought extremely rich profits to the producers, why would Zhou Qing give it to others for the benefit?

It is true that he decided to produce "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons 2" to support Wang Baoqiang, but he was also making money for himself.

What's more, the box office of 7.5 million is the result of "Journey to India", which has a score below 4 points.

Now, with the high-quality script he wrote himself and Wang Baoqiang's careful preparation, Zhou Qing believes that the quality of "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons 2" will definitely undergo a tremendous change.

By then, the box office might increase a lot.

Zhou Qing is looking forward to "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons 2" more and more.

"Then I understand, Director Zhou."

Seeing Zhou Qing support him so much, Wang Baoqiang felt at ease.

I started to carry out the relevant preparatory work for "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons 2" with full fighting spirit.

"Zhou Qing Pictures once again launched a new film, 'Journey to the West: Conquering India', which was written by director Zhou Qing and directed by Wang Baoqiang."

"Zhou Qing Films' work "Journey to the West: Conquering India" has been approved, and the famous actor Wang Baoqiang will be the director for the first time."

"Director Wang Baoqiang's debut film 'Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons' is worth the wait, and director and screenwriter Zhou Qing will provide a solid foundation."

After the relevant information about "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons 2" was dug out, many people were still surprised.

What the hell?
Wang Baoqiang is going to be a director too?
Although it is not uncommon for actors to switch careers and become directors these days, there are also many examples of great success.

For example, Wu Jing, Xu Zheng and Chen Sicheng, who were discovered by director Zhou Qing, were all average actors, but they dazzled everyone after switching to directing.

He delivered a brilliant report card that surpassed many big directors and even squeezed into the 10 billion box office club.

But this doesn't mean that any actor can switch to become a director.

Especially Wang Baoqiang, no matter how you look at it, he doesn't seem like he can be a director.

Many people associate Wang Baoqiang with the director and feel that the styles are completely incompatible and very awkward.

"Is Director Zhou really too proud? Does he really think that anyone he promotes will become famous?"

“Even if Director Zhou is good at discovering new directors, Wang Baoqiang shouldn’t be able to do that, right?”

"Wang Baoqiang is the one who filmed 'Journey to the West: Conquering India'?"

"This... Director Zhou, I'm afraid he's going to fail this time, right?"

There have been many doubts in the industry about the film project "Journey to India".

Indeed, Director Zhou can be said to have a keen eye when it comes to supporting and discovering new directors.

So far, Director Zhou has supported several new directors in succession, each of whom was inconspicuous at the beginning and was generally not optimistic about them.

But facts have repeatedly proved that it is everyone's vision that is problematic, not Director Zhou.

All new directors supported by Director Zhou are super talents, without exception.

But even so, Wang Baoqiang?

Isn't this a joke? (End of this chapter)