Huayu: Are you even sitting up straight? You're going to be the director?

Chapter 102: Casting for "My Disqualified Daughter" - Ning Hao Breaks Down!

After talking with Yu Dong, Cao Zhong then chatted with Shen Ao and Xu Zheng about the preparations for "My Disqualified Daughter".

"My Disqualified Daughter" is adapted from a popular webtoon "Zombie Daddy". It tells the heartwarming story of Li Zhengheng, a former animal tamer, who tries to protect and train his daughter Li Ya, who was unfortunately infected and became a disqualified person, against the backdrop of an extraterrestrial virus. While using animal taming skills to train his daughter to abandon the biting and rejection instincts of disqualified people and teach her to eat, talk and live like a normal person, a series of hilarious stories occur.

This type of film is rare in the current domestic market; it combines a strong genre with a soft emotional element.
Unlike traditional "thriller/dark" films of this genre, this movie possesses dramatic tension similar to that of zombie films.
Furthermore, the themes of "fatherly love and protection" and "family bonds" convey warmth.
Audiences will enjoy both comedic moments like "training his disqualified daughter to disguise herself as a human" and touching moments like "fighting the world for his daughter," creating a "laughing through tears" viewing experience.

This is a very profound core of family affection; even if family members become "different," the love never changes.

Cao Zhong intended to train Shen Ao and Xu Zheng, so in terms of roles, apart from Jing Tian, ​​he didn't cast any other roles, but let them figure it out and choose for themselves.

Shen Ao said, "Director Cao, Xu Zheng and I have different opinions about the role of Li Ya's father played by Jing Tian."

"Tell me more about it."

"The story in this script is very heartwarming. The father character seems somewhat humorous and funny, but he's quite muddle-headed and only superficially fools people."
But after his daughter was infected by an extraterrestrial virus and became the last "disqualified person" in the world, he showed his strong and deep side as a daughter. He discovered that his daughter seemed to still have memories and was willing to fight against the whole world to protect and train his daughter.

In my opinion, this role needs to be funny, yet also somewhat profound, and ideally, it should be a box office draw. Therefore, I think Zhang Hanyu is a good choice, especially since he'll be starring in a big-budget Feng Xiaogang production at the end of the year, guaranteeing his popularity.

But Xu Zheng believes that comedy plays a more important role, and he thinks Guo Tao is a good choice.

Cao Zhong pondered for a moment, "Are there any conflicts with other roles?"

"We're pretty much in agreement on the other roles. For the role of Grandma, although Cai Ming is a bit young, dressing her up a bit makes her very suitable for the role."

For the role of the father's childhood friend, we both agreed that Lin Yongjian would be a good choice, and for the role of the father's first love, we both thought Yan Ni was the best fit.

Cao Zhong pondered for a moment and asked about the Olympic bid: "So your main concern is whether Guo Tao can portray the depth of the character, or whether Guo Tao's leading role will not carry the box office?"

Shen Ao hesitated for a moment, feeling awkward that Cao Zhong had seen through his thoughts.

He nodded: "I do have doubts about whether Guo Tao can carry the box office. Actually, we both originally agreed that Fan Wei could play the father role, but he is currently filming 'City of Life and Death,' so we had to settle for second best."

“We had also considered Ge You, but his image was really not suitable for the male lead’s father.”

Xu Zheng added that there are indeed not many candidates who can carry the box office, act in comedies, and are of suitable age at this stage.

Cao Zhong thought for a moment and said, "I think Guo Tao is more suitable for the role of the male lead's childhood friend."

"Does Director Cao have any opinions on the male lead?"

"Isn't this something that's both far away and right in front of you?" Cao Zhong glanced at Xu Zheng and asked, "Do you dislike this role, or are you, as the assistant director, afraid to bring it up yourself?"

Xu Zheng was unsure whether to be surprised or delighted by being singled out for the role, as he had long felt it was perfect for him.
He quickly replied, "Since Director Cao personally appointed me as the assistant director, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to ask for another role."

Shen Ao was taken aback and exclaimed, "How come I didn't expect that? Xu Zheng just finished filming 'Nanjing Photo Studio,' which is very popular. Moreover, he is a veteran comedian. Haha, I really am just too close to the forest for the trees."

Cao Zhong glanced at Xu Zheng and said meaningfully, "I don't mind if you direct and act as the assistant director, and I don't mind if you seek personal gain in future collaborations. That's only human nature. But ultimately, the roles have to be suitable for each other."

Xu Zheng nodded and said, "I understand."

“I think other roles are also reasonable,” Cao Zhong said. “Then you can start making arrangements. If you encounter any problems or troubles, I will help you solve them.”

Cao Zhong's meaning is simple: Shen Ao actually has the ability to direct, but he just needs the opportunity and the stage, and he is currently one of Cao Zhong's own people.

Xu Zheng is an ambitious and talented actor who has also excelled in both acting and directing.

Cao Zhong felt reassured with these two working together, especially since he would also be a producer and help out. He hoped that they would work hard and boldly on this type of film.

"By the way, if you two want to join Chengying, you're welcome anytime," Cao Zhong said. "Go back and think it over. There's no need to rush to give me an answer. You can join after the movie wraps up. I'm planning to change Chengying Studio into Chengying Industry during this time, and I'll be buying an office space later."

Cao Zhong also thought about it. He wanted to develop the film industry, so he naturally needed to build a team.

It would be unsuitable for him to work at the Beijing Film Academy.

With housing prices in Beijing still rising steadily, it's certainly a good idea to buy a floor while also investing.

……

Ning Hao waited outside until Cao Zhong finished talking about everything before curiously coming over to ask Cao Zhong questions, with Xing Na following along as well.

"All three films are confirmed?"

“It’s all settled,” Cao Zhong said. “Although my senior brother didn’t receive any of the bonuses from China Film Group, he does receive a share from Chengying Film Group. If it weren’t for my senior brother’s connections, I wouldn’t have been able to get the investment from Jing Tian.”

"Hey!" Ning Hao was surprised by this unexpected surprise and said, "I didn't do anything, it's not that serious, really not that serious."

“This is my own statement,” Cao Zhong said.

"Junior brother, stop talking, we can't accept it." Xing Na was very firm.

Ning Hao didn't comment much on this issue, nor did he intend to accept it. Instead, he was quite curious about Cao Zhong's new film.

"How much is the investment?" Ning Hao asked. "My 'Crazy Racing' project is about to start, but there's a problem with the characters, and we're working on it." "What problem?" Cao Zhong asked, puzzled.

“I was scouting locations in the Northeast before,” Ning Hao said.

"As soon as I landed in Shenyang, that guy from Shanhaiguan came to my door, wanting to help my apprentice get a role. Since he spoke up, I naturally agreed and gave Liu Xiaoguang the male lead role."

The agreed-upon fee was 500,000 yuan, and my project was about to start, but they suddenly wanted to raise the price.

They're locked in a tug-of-war right now.

I've been incredibly stressed lately. The total investment for my film is only 10 million, and I'm already gritting my teeth if they offer me 500,000 in salary.

This was the first time Cao Zhong had heard of this; he had assumed that Huang Bo was the direct producer of the film in his previous life.

"What's there to worry about?" Cao Zhongdao chuckled. "If he raises the price, just replace him. You're the director, you can't be driven to despair by a lack of motivation, can you?"

"After all, it's a role that Zhao Benshan personally oversaw." Ning Hao hesitated.

“You’re overthinking it,” Cao Zhong said. “If the agreed-upon salary is suddenly increased, it can’t be Zhao Benshan’s idea. Is he short of money? Didn’t I hear he was going to invest in football? It’s definitely Liu Xiaoguang who wants to earn more. You should take this opportunity to change roles and save yourself the trouble.”

"When it comes to casting, you still have to use actors you're comfortable with. They can offer you a higher price before filming starts, and then they can find other actors for you after filming begins."

“That makes sense,” Xing Nana said. “That’s why your senior brother is struggling to decide who to choose.”

"Isn't Huang Bo from 'Crazy Stone' pretty good? Why don't you give him a try?"

"You know what, it actually works." Ning Hao's eyes lit up. "By the way, you haven't answered my question yet. How much investment did you put in those three movies? If you film them quickly, I feel like our release dates might clash."

“One is worth 24 million, one is worth 60 million, and another is worth 30 million US dollars,” Cao Zhong said calmly.

"How many?!!"

Ning Hao was completely stunned!
He glanced at Xing Nana, and Xing Nana met his gaze. They both saw something absurd in each other's eyes.

He's been practicing his talking skills with the actors for 200,000 yuan, and his lips are practically blistered from all the talking.

As a result, Cao Zhong's three films, with an investment of over 300 million yuan, were all finalized in one night.

Ning Hao's head was buzzing.

"Heaven and earth are unjust!"

He's still chatting? What nonsense! Last year, he watched helplessly as his junior brother fooled Jing Tian, ​​and now, just a year later, he can't even keep up with Cao Zhong!
The defense has been breached! The defense has been breached!

He said goodbye to Cao Zhong and went out.

The phone rang as soon as I stepped outside.

"Who is it?" Xing Nana asked.

"Jing Tian".

After saying a few words to Xing Na, Ning Hao answered the phone.

"Director Ning."

Jing Tian's voice came from the other end, "Has your new movie started filming recently? I'd like to ask you to shoot a music video."

What kind of music video are you shooting?

“You can film anything, like recording a song,” Jing Tian said. “If you have time, I’ll go buy a song right now.”

"..." Ning Hao coughed twice. "Is there something you need? There's no suitable role for you in my new movie."

“Oh dear,” Jing Tian said, “Director Ning, you’ve misunderstood. I don’t want to spend money to buy a role.”

Jing Tian hurriedly tried to explain, but the more he explained, the more confused things became.

Finally, when things got really bad, Jing Tian just lay down and said, "That's right, thanks to you for introducing me to Director Cao Zhong, I've been cast as the female lead in his two new movies. I want to thank you for introducing us. I know you're different from Director Cao, and you don't have much money to invest in your own new movies, so I thought I'd let you earn another million."

What was meant as repaying a favor came out of Jing Tian's mouth with a mixed feeling.

Ning Hao's face turned green.

They've completely broken through!
After hanging up the phone, Ning Hao glanced at Xing Na and said his heart was broken. After hesitating for a few seconds, he asked Xing Na with a sob in his voice:

"Honey, am I really useless?"

……

(End of this chapter)