I am a historical film director in the entertainment industry.

Chapter 3 Full Support
"Yes! If we were to film it according to your script, it would require at least hundreds of millions of dollars."

The 2002 film "Hero" had a total investment of 30 million US dollars, which was more than Cheng Sheng's investment, but that depends on who is the director.

The idea that the historical film "The Origins of the Tang Dynasty" can recoup its investment through domestic box office revenue is simply wishful thinking.

If it relies on global box office like "Hero", the chances are probably even slimmer.

Although "Hero" is about the history of the Qin Dynasty, it is a commercial blockbuster.

Cheng Sheng's "The Great Tang Dynasty - Origins" is, in terms of content, a pure historical film about China, and it was also made with the mindset of an art film.

Art film!
It doesn't always represent high box office revenue.

From this perspective, no one would invest in a movie that is clearly going to lose money.

Cheng Sheng's script is of absolutely top quality; it would be a shame if it were filmed haphazardly due to funding constraints.

Generally, schools may provide some financial aid, but students usually need to apply for relevant programs themselves or obtain support from their advisors.

However, the budget for Cheng Sheng's film is too large, and the school probably can't afford it.

The funding gap is too large.

"Cheng Sheng, now that you've shown us the script, do you have some plans?"

Seeing Cheng Sheng's calm demeanor, Yang Chao couldn't help but ask a question.

Cheng Sheng was trying to figure out how to explain the funding issue when Yang Chao brought him a pillow to help him take a nap, saying, "I plan to ask people from the school and the military to help with some of the actors. As for the funding, I've already found it."

Without the help of the military, it would be difficult to capture the feeling of war and the clash of swords in a historical film.

"You even found a hundred million?"

Yang Chao and Zhang Yang exchanged a shocked glance.

The actors and the military didn't seem to care much.

What they cared about was how Cheng Sheng obtained the funds.

Cheng Sheng smiled and said, "That's right, the investment funds are in place, we're just waiting for the production team to be assembled and the actors to be selected."

"I rely on!"

"Fuck me!"

Upon hearing the news, the two educators immediately swore, clearly shocked by the news.

"How...did you do that? Are you a rich kid?" Yang Chao clicked his tongue in amazement.

One hundred million!
Who's so bold as to invest in a new director making a historical film?

They're not afraid of losing everything.

It wasn't that the two didn't believe in Cheng Sheng's abilities; it was mainly because it was clear that this movie would have a long way to go to recoup its costs.

Cheng Sheng shook his head and said, "I come from the countryside, how could I be a rich second generation? As for the source of the funds, please forgive me for keeping it a secret, teacher."

Cheng Sheng didn't want to reveal the details of deceiving the Xishan coal mine owners and the signed contracts before the movie was made, mainly because he was afraid of causing any trouble.

Hearing their student describe it in such a mysterious way, the two didn't think much of it. As long as the source of the funds was legitimate, they didn't care where the investment came from.

"Now that you've solved the biggest problem yourself, leave the rest to the school! The teachers will talk to the acting department about the actors, and as for the military, I'll talk to the principal and ask him to help communicate with them."

The Central Academy of Drama's directing department has finally produced a talent like Cheng Sheng, so Yang Chao and Zhang Yang, as teachers in the directing department, naturally have to give him their full support.

Moreover, this provides internship opportunities for the school's students, making it a mutually beneficial arrangement for the school.

People outside say that directors from the Central Academy of Drama's directing department are unknown and not as good as directors from the Beijing Film Academy. They are all holding their breath and want to prove themselves.

"Teachers, the most important thing for making this drama well is the costumes, makeup, and props. I will draw up sketches for the costumes, and I hope you can contact a good factory to help me order a batch. For makeup, we need top-notch makeup artists, and the props should also be the best available," Cheng Sheng said.

Cheng Sheng will definitely make use of the 100 million yuan. He will produce props and costumes exactly according to the script.

As for the set construction, there is a palace on site in Hengdian, so there is no need to build another one.

The scenario created by the simulation panel is completely based on real history. As long as you invest in these two aspects, you can definitely replicate the magnificent Tang Dynasty in history.

"This is a small matter, so let the teacher handle it."

As one of the best film academies in China, the Central Academy of Drama has cooperative relationships with many factories.

"I'd like to borrow the school's equipment; that way, I can save some money..."

Before Cheng Sheng could finish speaking, Yang Chao interrupted without hesitation, saying, "I'm afraid that won't work. The equipment at the school is too old. It's okay for lecturing, but you're making a big movie, so you can't be careless about the equipment. I suggest you rent from China Film Group. Our school has a cooperative relationship with China Film Group."

"it is good."

Cheng Sheng wanted to save on equipment expenses, but now it seems that he can't cut corners for the sake of the film.

"Cheng Sheng, what are your plans regarding the actors? The two most important actors in this film should be Emperor Yang of Sui and the young Li Shimin," Zhang Yang said.

"Aren't there any suitable candidates at the school?"

Aside from older actors, Cheng Sheng prefers to cast younger actors from schools.

This is a benefit Cheng Sheng is giving to the school, and also to save on his acting fees. After all, they're college students! Cheap, maybe he won't even have to pay them.

“These two roles are too special; they are the core of the entire film. If the wrong actors are chosen, the film will be ruined,” Zhang Yang said, frowning.

"Let's put the actors aside for now and get the script approved and filming permits first," Yang Chao said.

"Cheng Sheng, don't worry about the review process. The school will put in a good word for us, and it will be approved quickly."

There are no hard and fast rules for avoiding film censorship in China; it all depends on whether you have connections or not.

The Central Academy of Drama is a behemoth in the industry, and as long as you don't cross any red lines, it's easy to pass the censorship process.

Moreover, Cheng Sheng's script does not harm the country, does not violate social morality, and does not contain bloodshed, violence, or ghost stories.

If this doesn't pass, then there's no point in passing any script at all.

The most important thing is time; what Cheng Sheng lacks right now is time.

After leaving the teacher's office, Cheng Sheng returned to his dormitory.

Classes will resume tomorrow, and students are gradually returning today.

He shared a dormitory with two other students, both of whom were directing majors.

According to another person's recollection, there wasn't a single particularly famous director in his class at the Central Academy of Drama.

No wonder people say that the Central Academy of Drama produces actors, while the Beijing Film Academy produces directors.

This director's ability to train talent is truly inadequate.

in the afternoon.

The two roommates returned to school one after another from home.

Cheng Sheng's relationship with the two was merely a nodding acquaintance; after exchanging greetings, they would each go about their own business.

Cheng Sheng listed all the actors he needed.

Aside from the two male leads and the female lead, Cheng Sheng plans to give the remaining roles to the school.

The movie "The Origins of the Tang Dynasty" is about three hours long, so it requires a lot of actors, with a total of 103 people having lines.

With so many roles assigned to schools, the schools themselves must be quite taken aback!

(End of this chapter)