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

Chapter 106: Shocked by Dante Lam's keen eye for talent!

"Chairman Han, is the radio expert here?"

"You'll have to give me a little more time."

Han Sanpin frowned and explained,
"To keep it confidential, you also need the relevant professors to have enough time to cooperate with you. Professor Cao, you've really given me a big problem."

But don't worry, the target has been locked in.
It's most likely from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China.

An associate professor will be assigned to communicate with us at any time, and will also be present during winter and summer vacations to finalize contracts with the team and provide technical support as needed.

Let's give it another week. If it doesn't work, I'll have Zhao Haicheng fly there himself to finalize this matter.

You just focus on your directing job, and China Film Group will take care of the rest.

Just keep moving forward, I'll be your best logistics manager!

A few days ago, Cao Zhong was on set with the crew of "My Disqualified Daughter," and Han Sanpin was experiencing both pain and joy.

For the first time, Han Sanpin realized that making a movie required so much work.
Cao Zhong not only instructed him to contact the assistant director and find a special effects artist, but also to contact radio experts, advisors from the China National Nuclear Corporation and the military region.

Although Cao Zhong wasn't in a rush for the latter two requests, he was very anxious as a radio expert.

Moreover, because secrecy was required, Han Sanpin and Zhao Haicheng had been extremely busy these past few days.

However, for the sake of his precious little darling, Han Sanpin neither complained of hardship nor fatigue.
When they're face-to-face, you have to say something like "a huge problem" to show that you're working hard.
Inside the China Film Group office,

Zhao Haicheng looked at Han Sanpin, who had reverted to his previous attitude towards directors like John Woo and Chen Kexin, and his expression became complicated.

He secretly grumbled to himself.

"Chairman Han is putting on far too humble a stance!"

He figured it out.
Chairman Han is a chameleon.

Before "Nanjing Photo Studio" came out, Han Sanpin was very accommodating to John Woo and Chen Kexin's requests, much like his current situation.

However, ever since the explosion at Cao Zhong's "Nanjing Photo Studio," Han Sanpin's attitude towards John Woo has hardened.

The "Red Cliff" project has been plagued by unexpected problems, and Han Sanpin is truly not going to tolerate it.

Han Zheng, who had been with Cao Zhong for two months, was directly dispatched to the "Red Cliff" film crew, with a tough attitude, demanding an explanation.
Moreover, they kept a close watch on the film, not trying to take over John Woo's directing or financial control, but they effectively kept a pair of eyes and ears on the set.
On Chen Kexin's side, Han Sanpin visited the post-production department of "The Warlords" a couple of days ago, watched half of the movie, and his face immediately fell.
He asked Chen Kexin in a forceful tone, "You spent so much money, where are the action scenes in 'The Warlords'?"

Chairman Han also asked Chen Kexin: "What's the difference between you hiring Jet Li to act in a melodramatic, human drama and hiring Jackie Chan to direct an animated film? Besides, how can a film like this cost 100 million? Where did it all go? Did it go to buy a villa?"
Touched on a sore spot, Chen Kexin's eyes widened, her face flushed red, and she explained to Han Sanpin:
Mr. Han, how can you slander someone's innocence like this?
He argued: "The Warlords" is a stunning film, a tragic song of the late Qing Dynasty, a symphony of humanity, and it shows the complexity of human nature and an epic war even without Jet Li's action scenes! How can you say he didn't work hard just because there are no action scenes?

After saying a lot of incomprehensible things, Zhao Haicheng's expression turned ugly.

The entire conversation left Han Sanpin dissatisfied and he left, and Chen Kexin also looked displeased.
The two parted on bad terms, but the movie was finished after all, and the editing was almost done, so Han Sanpin couldn't really make a scene.

Zhao Haicheng had assumed that Han Sanpin had finally stood up for himself.
Looking at him today, it seems he was incredibly weak towards Cao Zhong, utterly weak.
The way he was all smiles on the phone—where was the air of someone who would normally be the head of China Film Group?!
"Even when I'm on the phone with Director Tong, I've never acted this obsequiously!"

As Han Sanpin's secretary, Zhao Haicheng felt he should play the role of Wei Zheng (a famous Chinese military strategist).

Good medicine tastes bitter but is good for the disease; honest advice is unpleasant to the ear but is beneficial to conduct.

If things continue like this, does this prestigious China Film Group Corporation truly belong to Chairman Han or Cao Zhong?!
Why should he do whatever he's told?
China Film Group is the guide, the visionary, the industry leader, and the dominant force!
How can one humble oneself and act subserviently?

Zhao Haicheng's fists hardened!

As my thoughts raced, I suddenly heard Han Sanpin call out twice.

"Zhao Haicheng, Zhao Haicheng."

"Yes, Chairman Han." Zhao Haicheng quickly took two steps forward.

"Director Cao said that the matter of radio should be handled sooner rather than later. Here's what we'll do: tomorrow morning, take the earliest flight to Chengdu from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and finalize things as soon as possible. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me and Director Cao."

"Yes, sir! I will do my best to serve Director Cao. If you tell me to go west, I will never go east!"

Zhao Haicheng agreed with a broad smile, nodding vigorously.

……

After hanging up the phone with Han Sanpin, Cao Zhong thought about whether there was anything he had overlooked.

"My Disqualified Daughter" is important, but "We Live in Nanjing" is even more important.

Cao Zhong was very satisfied that Dante Lam was willing to be his deputy; this was someone he had specifically requested.

Although "We Live in Nanjing" required special effects in many parts,
The truly important special effects are all large-scale productions.
Despite its grand scale, the vast majority of the film was actually shot on location.

The male protagonist, Bai Yang, and the female protagonist, Ban Xia, are at opposite ends of the same timeline, so their communication is mostly based on radio.

To balance film quality and shooting speed, Cao Zhong had to divide the filming into two groups, A and B, for the shoot.
One timeline is the modern world timeline of the male protagonist Bai Yang, and the other is the green wasteland post-apocalyptic timeline of the female protagonist Ban Xia.

Cao Zhong needs a good assistant.

After much deliberation, Cao Zhong decided on Dante Lam.
In his past life, Cao Zhong knew that Dante Lam was known for his ruthless approach to filmmaking. During the filming of "Operation Red Sea," he even used real explosions to destroy actual buildings, and in "The Rescue," he used wave machines to simulate a maritime disaster.
Cao Zhong needs a ruthless director.

This is the only way to ensure that the quality of the show won't be bad.
And the other side, Banxia, ​​is just right for Dante Lam to showcase his talents.
Because in the timeline of Banxia, ​​before the large-scale special effects,
Banxia's image has always been that of a pure, capable, kind, and brave person.
Most importantly, Banxia actually has some action scenes, running scenes, and heroic scenes.
For Dante Lam, this is his forte.

As for what I told Jing Tian before about finding her for the camera work? No way!

That's just nonsense they're spouting to make money!

If Cao Zhong were to waste the quality of a film just for a little money, how could he be worthy of this masterpiece?

Since he was going to make this hard science fiction film, Cao Zhong naturally wanted to make it a classic.
Judging from Jing Tian's many works in later years, in an entertainment industry where actresses are full of talented actors, Jing Tian's acting skills are actually relatively mediocre. However, she has never had any negative news. On the contrary, she is very competitive during filming.

Then let's use Dante Lam as a training ground for her, to let her know that making movies is not such an easy thing.

Either put in the hard work, or go home and become a wealthy young woman.
Cao Zhong is going to teach Da Tian Tian a lesson!
Actors always cooperate with the camera; that's an ironclad rule!
Otherwise, the audience would definitely yell at you: "Eat shit!"

This kid is rich and too naive. Although the world may revolve around her, if she wants to be in the entertainment industry, she has to accept the scrutiny of the audience.
If you really can't act well, besides being given the elegant title of "having a powerful backer," you'll really have nothing left.

After thinking about it, Cao Zhong found it somewhat amusing. He would have to call and remind Shen Ao later, and give her a good talking-to, at least to teach her how to find the camera during filming.

Over the next few days, Cao Zhong was quite busy. First, he had to scout locations, and then arrange for people to build sets for Banxia's storyline.
In the landscape design, Cao Zhong needed to cover important landmarks of Nanjing, and the coverage area was quite large, requiring his personal attention.
After that, the roles needed to be finalized, and I met with Dante Lam, special effects artists, radio experts, and others in turn. It was also common for the script to be constantly adjusted during filming, so Wang Hongwei could be called upon to participate.

Cao Zhong came back this time because after seeing Xu Zheng directing and starring in "My Disqualified Daughter" on the set, he thought of someone.

Chen Zhixi, producer of "Lost in Thailand".

She was also the producer of films such as "The Breakup Guru," "Detective Chinatown," and "Keep You Safe," and later became the female head of Wanda Cinemas.

Although Chen Zhixi hasn't moved behind the scenes yet, Cao Zhong remembers that she actively changed careers because she was dissatisfied with the passive nature of acting.
Cao Zhong decided to try his luck.

He assigned Wang Renjun a task: to go to the Beijing Film Academy and the Central Academy of Drama to spread the news that Chengying Film Industry was recruiting to build a cultural and entertainment company team.
We will collect resumes widely at that time.
If we can get Chen Zhixi, then we've caught a big fish.

Qi Jiuzhou helped Cao Zhong find a house, promoted the renovation, and thoroughly established the Chengying Film Industry brand.

……

In the following days, Cao Zhong contacted people in the NJ City publicity department and, after ensuring confidentiality, openly confirmed the title of the second film for the first time.

This immediately alarmed the city of NJ.

The top official and the head of the propaganda department personally called Cao Zhong to inquire in detail about the general content and funding needs of his new film. They were somewhat disappointed to find that the allocated quotas had already been distributed.

However, this did not affect their level of support, and they directly approved three million yuan in art support funds for Cao Zhong.

This is a policy that JS Province just issued last year. Cao Zhongxin's film uses the name Nanjing and is meant to showcase Nanjing's scenery, which is absolutely in accordance with regulations and procedures.

After learning that Cao Zhong needed a sense of ruins, to be covered in green vegetation, and to be able to build Nanjing landmark buildings, the head of the propaganda department provided Cao Zhong with three locations in just two days.

Nanjing Tangshan Quarry Park is a park transformed from an abandoned quarry. Formerly the largest quarry in Tangshan, Longquan Quarry, it has been ecologically restored into a landscape of wetlands, meadows, and lakes. It retains the rugged feel of the quarry while adding green vegetation, perfectly embodying the concept of a "green wasteland."

The Jiangsu Garden Expo Park was also transformed from a quarry, featuring a cliff face over 130 meters high and more than 800 plant species. It already has a themed plant area, which Cao Zhong needs to finalize himself.
Shili Changshan'ao was formerly a huge abandoned quarry with steep cliffs and pools, and was known as the "Little Three Gorges of Nanjing". It is still relatively primitive and has not been developed on a large scale, making it very suitable for landscaping. As long as safety is guaranteed, you can do whatever you want!

The Nanjing propaganda department promised that no matter what Cao Zhong wanted to do with his film, Nanjing would give it the green light and let it pass directly!

The head of the propaganda department shook Cao Zhong's hand and said, "Director Cao, make a good film, make a good film, speak for Nanjing, and make Nanjing famous. This is the common vision of the people of Nanjing!"

"Thank you so much, sir!"

Cao Zhong was deeply moved by the brotherly and respectful relationship between Cao Zhong and the top leader.

After final confirmation with the set construction team and others, the project team identified two locations and began rapid construction.

……

On October 3, Dante Lam traveled north and saw Cao Zhong at China Film Group.

Han Sanpin was also there.

"Director Lin, welcome to the north."

"Hello Chairman Han, hello Director Cao, Director Cao is very young."

After exchanging pleasantries, they finally got down to business.

When China Film Group contacted him, director Dante Lam was initially hesitant because he knew he could work with Cao Zhong.

There are rumors circulating within Hong Kong's entertainment circle that Cao Zhong's "Nanjing Photo Studio" has actually shaken the initiative and interests of Hong Kong's entertainment circle.

He recently got a directing opportunity to film a crime action movie called "The Witness," starring Xie Tingfeng and Zhang Jingchu. The production companies are Sil-Metropole and Emperor Entertainment.
But ultimately, his own desire to go to the mainland overcame his hesitation.
These days, top directors are all heading to the mainland. Although people in the Hong Kong film industry are still quite aloof, directors are well aware that only the huge mainland market can bring them the greatest profits.

Collaborating with Cao Zhong, working alongside Cao Zhong, the top box office director in mainland China.

For Dante Lam, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enter the mainland market, and he certainly wouldn't cut off his own escape route.

After the relevant agreements were signed,
When Dante Lam first saw the script for "We Live in Nanjing",

During the viewing, Dante Lam looked up in alarm several times.

He even pressed his temples involuntarily because they were throbbing.

"What a brilliant script!"

Dante Lam's head was buzzing.

On the one hand, he felt fear. For so many years, there had never been a director in mainland China who dared to make such a film. The grand scale of the project made Dante Lam realize that Hong Kong was just a tiny place.

On the one hand, he felt some pity for those people in the Hong Kong entertainment circle.

"Treat Director Cao as an opponent?"

Dante Lam couldn't help but laugh; even he himself couldn't have guessed it.
If the final film truly unfolds as depicted in the script and storyboards...
What kind of upheavals will this create in the entire Chinese film market?
What kind of impact will this have on Hong Kong films?
No one understands better than these directors that Hong Kong cinema has long since lost its diversity.

"Director Lin, I've shown you the script. Do you have confidence in it?"

After seeing Dante Lam turn to the last page of the script, Cao Zhong took a sip of tea, looked at Lam, and asked softly,
He had expected Dante Lam to express confidence and acknowledge the challenges involved.

But to their surprise, Lin Chaoxian's first words left Cao Zhong and Han Sanpin completely bewildered.

"Chairman Han, Director Cao, you made the right choice in selecting me. From now on, I'll work for you."

"You people, who are the backbone of mainland cinema, have a really good eye for talent!"

Han Sanpin was completely stunned.

(End of this chapter)