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

Chapter 11 The Team's Initial Formation, Do You... Want to Go Down in History?

Ding,

Ding,

Not long after leaving China Film Group.

Wang Hongwei's heart was still pounding. He was still a little scared, and his whole body was shaking as if he were doing the seaweed dance. His legs were weak.

"Next time you want to do something, can you at least get some fresh air first?"

Wang Hongwei became anxious.

He truly hadn't expected Cao Zhong to be so enthusiastic about Han Sanpin.

That's Han Sanpin, the current director of Beijing Film Studio and deputy general manager of China Film Group Corporation, but in reality, he has almost complete control over all of China Film Group Corporation's resources!
The person above him will soon be going to the Film Bureau of Optoelectronics.

Therefore, Han Sanpin is the sole person in charge of China Film Group.

You think you can lecture someone like that?

After Wang Hongwei came out, he felt that even his breath was icy cold.

There will be no next time.

Cao Zhong stretched out his hands in surrender, "Teacher Wang, you have to understand, this is my only chance. I have to make sure the schedule is right, and I only have a year at most. I also need funding and actors. I really don't have the time. If I don't make a name for myself, I'll be stuck in a dead end. And I don't have parents who are directors."

"Then you can't criticize President Han. Who is President Han? You're trying to establish a government in front of him? If you're not careful, you could be banned for ten years."

"President Han is in this position, he knows his responsibilities, and he needs to stay clear-headed at all times. What I'm saying is like scratching his sore spot."

“Cough cough, that’s called an itchy spot,” Wang Hongwei said. “Anyway, I think what you said is too risky. To be an eagle, I never expected you to say such things. You and Ning Hao are very different.”

he sighed.

But deep down, I also felt admiration.

Cao Zhong is very capable; he knows what he's doing and dares to go all in.

Unlike a young person,

Ning Hao was very nervous when he first met Han Sanpin, even after they had already filmed two feature films together.

Cao Zhong's confidence when facing President Han was almost overflowing.

Starting with "Schindler's List," the discussion recounted China's lack of a narrative about World War II; then, focusing on the Chinese market, it critiqued Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige, discussing the need to make films that resonate with the people; finally, it elevated the discussion to an international level, addressing the situation between China and Japan, and emphasizing the importance of remembering history and minimizing forgetting.

Although he is involved in establishing a government, he is very powerful and is completely part of the main storyline.

All three arguments, each with its own anchor point, converge on "Nanjing Photo Studio".

Finally, he pulled out the storyboard, showcasing his storyboard drawing skills and demonstrating his directing ability.

The phrase "carrying the burden of Chinese cinema on both shoulders" made Han Sanpin unable to resist bowing his head to enjoy it.

When he left China Film Group, Han Sanpin was so shocked that he didn't even say a word like, "The script is very good, have you considered changing the director?"

This isn't going quite right!
Wang Hongwei had already made preparations and helped Cao Zhong persuade President Han that the script could not be rewritten.

Why didn't he ask?
Thinking of this, Wang Hongwei couldn't help but scratch his head.

After going out with Cao Zhong, he experienced what it meant to question the meaning of life.

I've been in the directing industry for twenty years.

He knew Han Sanpin's tricks all too well. This kind of veteran who had been in the industry for many years was not a philanthropist. If it was a new director and he liked the script, he would definitely ask, "The script is good. Have you considered letting XX direct it?"

But this time, I really didn't ask.

"There isn't much difference between me and Senior Brother Ning; we're both very young."

Cao Zhong has a different opinion on Wang Hongwei.

"Hey, Xiao Cao," Wang Hongwei couldn't help but say, "Did your mother—no, Teacher Cui—tell you that it's presumptuous of you to have a mouth?"

……

The entire journey was speechless.

Cao Zhong understood Wang Hongwei's opinion of him, but he didn't mind.

Everything is moving in a positive direction.

Back in the dormitory, Qi Jiuzhou was quite talkative, and Wang Renjun already knew about Cao Zhong's storyboard.

“Brother Zhong, if you need money, my family has rice. I heard from Jiuzhou that Brother Zhong’s movie is awesome. If you don’t support it, you’re not Chinese. For Brother Zhong’s development, I’m willing to call my father and mother and give them my full support for Brother Zhong’s movie.”

Wang Renjun was righteous and awe-inspiring.

"How about two million?" Cao Zhong was indeed pleasantly surprised. This brother was worth befriending. He was so excited that he almost slid down to his knees.

"excuse me."

Wang Renjun immediately withdrew his sliding knee strike, catching Cao Zhong off guard.

"Damn it!" Cao Zhong cursed angrily. "Don't always start by talking big and get me all excited. As punishment, you'll play a Japanese soldier in my new movie, and I won't pay you."

Wang Renjun was overjoyed: "We found the dead man!"

For a split second just now, Cao Zhong was absolutely certain.

This is Beiping, after all, a place where hidden talents abound.

Just now, Cao Zhong thought he was like Bi Dao, who pursued his dream in the entertainment industry in his previous life, meeting his beloved relatives and brothers in college.

I almost burst out laughing.

Bi Dao met his true love and gained funding and resources while strolling on campus.

It created a top-tier bubble film in the entertainment industry.

It single-handedly lowered the bar for bad movies, but it also brought in dozens of industry experts.

Before the release of "Dream Chasing in the Entertainment Circle," experts held a seminar to rigorously examine the film, giving it classic reviews and claiming that Bi's film moved people to tears and even deserved to be submitted for the Golden Rooster Awards.

As expected, after twelve years of hard work, the work has elevated both Xiao Si and Teacher He to the status of masters.

Cao Zhong considered Wang Renjun, his roommate, to be his brother.

It will allow me to easily navigate the path to becoming a director.

But little did they expect that the other party was a fake rich second-generation.

numb!

Gobi.

He discussed things with the two brothers and then playfully teased Wang Renjun for a while.

Cao Zhong was too lazy to argue with them anymore, so he went to find Cui Xinqin first, and then contacted the school's entrepreneurship foundation to set up a studio.

Chengying Creative Studio.

Sincerity is derived from loyalty.

At first, Cao Zhong wanted to call him Zhongying, but after taking the name, he realized something was wrong.

Calling it "Fidelity" is a bit too lowbrow; "Sincere Film" at least sounds acceptable.

After the studio was established, Cao Zhong turned his attention to funding and casting.

Five million is actually a very tight budget for a film; if unforeseen circumstances arise, the investment may not be enough.

I've already spoken with Han Sanpin, and he didn't refuse.

In Cao Zhong's view, he now at least has the qualifications to commit fraud, and he can start building his team.

Having established this framework will naturally be helpful in securing subsequent funding approvals for Han Sanpin.

Cao Zhong naturally wanted to take advantage of Cui Xinqin and Wang Hongwei.

Cao Zhong wanted Ning Hao to take the photography role, but Wang Hongwei made it clear, "Ning Hao is good, but you can't control him right now, so give up."

Cao Zhong had no choice but to select someone else. After looking around the directing department, Cao Zhong suddenly realized that Shen Ao was actually from the 2005 directing department.

Isn't this fate?

In his previous life, this film was directed by Shen Ao, and it was also the key to Shen Ao's rise to prominence after many years of hard work, and the key to him being able to sit at the same table with Guo Fan, Jiaozi, and others.

Cao Zhong, with a stroke of his pen, appointed him as assistant director and cinematographer, intending to use him like a beast of burden, as a way of repaying his kindness.

At the same time, they borrowed Du Jie, Ning Hao's go-to cinematographer, from Wang Hongwei, which initially solved the cinematographer problem.

During this time, Cao Zhong also overheard a little tidbit about the Olympic bid.

He even had several in-depth exchanges with Mu Zimei, a celebrity editor on the internet.

Shen Ao rose to fame in the 05 class of the Directing Department.

Cao Zhong couldn't help but admire him.

Although they are a young team bidding for the Olympics, they are certainly not at a disadvantage; they dare to do what others dare not. That's real ability.

Mu Zimei, after all, was a skilled writer, and her behavior was no different from that of President Chen in later years; in fact, she had already begun to reveal details.

At this juncture, the bid to host the Olympics is indeed a powerful move.

Cao Zhong wanted a powerful guy; after all, the primary requirement for making this kind of movie is that the character is strong!

Regarding the actors, Cao Zhong specifically sought out artists from Nanjing through Cui Xinqin.

Believe it or not, Cao Zhong actually found it.
Zu Feng, Cui Xinqin's student, is perfectly capable of playing the role of Lao Jin.

After appearing in the TV series "Warmth" and "Shajiabang" in 2005, she gained considerable fame in the film industry.
Recently, he has been performing in stage plays.

So there are also free slots available.

There wasn't really a reason for choosing him; it was mainly because he looked old.

Moreover, his close relationship with Cui Xinqin allows him to achieve Cao Zhong's goals.

Of course, the main reason is that he is from Nanjing. He was born, studied, and even worked in Nanjing for a few years. Now he teaches acting and dialogue at a school.

Besides Zu Feng, there are two other actresses from Nanjing.

Hai Qing, Mei Ting.

They are all native Nanjing residents, and even have a decent level of fame, perfectly matching the roles of Lin Yuxiu and Lao Jin's wife Zhao Yifang.

Cao Zhong was overjoyed and asked Cui Xinqin to help him make contact and arrange a time.

Cao Zhong struggled with the role of Wang Guanghai, and after much deliberation, he settled on Xu Zheng.

First, the acting skills are up to par; second, the connection between Wang Hongwei and Ning Hao is strong.

This role is certainly not a good one for Xu Zheng, given that he is currently starring in "Love Transfer" and is definitely a hot commodity in the film industry.

However, Cao Zhong had his own clever plan.

He also asked Wang Hongwei to make the contact and arrange a face-to-face meeting.

As for the male lead, Su Liuchang, and the main supporting role, the Japanese cinematographer, Cao Zhong needs to talk to these individuals before making a decision.

Cui Xinqin's influence in the performing arts department is no joke.

Soon news came that Zu Feng and Mei Ting would be able to meet with Cao Zhong that afternoon.

As for Hai Qing, she is currently not in Beijing, but Huang Lei has already contacted her and she will be able to return the day after tomorrow.

Huang Lei is Hai Qing's homeroom teacher.

In any case, it is only right to give Cui Xinqin face.

Zu Feng arrived right after we had lunch that day.

Zu Feng was someone she personally mentored, and he's currently teaching at the Beijing Film Academy, living nearby.

After receiving the call, I arrived at the school very quickly.

Office of Cui Xinqin, Building of the Faculty and Management.

Zu Feng saw Cao Zhong, a junior from the acting department, a student who was somewhat handsome but still a bit naive.

To be honest, Zu Feng was a little stunned when he received Cui Xinqin's call.

His image makes it difficult for him to get roles.

Although he was in the same class as Huang Xiaoming, Chen Kun and others, those two had already become famous, while he was still on the road, moving forward at a snail's pace.

It can be said that classmates have different fates.

He was genuinely shocked that a character had come across him.

In fact, his real breakthrough came after his role as Li Ya in "Lurking".

"This is the director who came to see you, and also your direct junior, eight years behind you," Cui Xinqin introduced Cao Zhong to Zu Feng.

"Hello, Director..." Zu Feng's eyes were blank.

I was struck by Cao Zhong's youth.

He was momentarily speechless. The meeting had come too quickly, and there hadn't been enough time to learn more or make adequate preparations.

But I felt a little helpless. Sure enough, would a proper director even hire me?
So young?

Cao Zhong wasn't intimidated, because in his opinion, Zu Feng's image, acting skills, and hometown were enough to support Lao Jin.

Wang Xiao, who played this role in his previous life, is still too young now.

Zu Feng was different; he looked dejected, but his eyes held a sense of vicissitude.

He looks like someone who has experienced hardship in society.

A slightly slick character like Lao Jin definitely needs to be played by someone who isn't young.

"In the afternoon, Teacher Cui also arranged a meeting with Mei Ting for me, so I'll keep it short."

Cao Zhong looked at Zu Feng and spoke.

"You're from Nanjing, senior. Do you still speak Nanjing dialect?"

"It's my hometown dialect, I'll never forget it." Zu Feng smiled.

"So, from childhood to adulthood, what is the sound that you remember most vividly from Nanjing?"

Cao Zhong patiently and skillfully guided him.

Zu Feng's eyes widened slightly, and Cui Xinqin, who was standing next to him, also felt that something was wrong. This wasn't a rehearsal, was it?

However, she couldn't very well interrupt.

Zu Feng thought for a while, and then started from the aspects of clothing, food, housing and transportation. He talked about the silence after the lights of thousands of homes when he was young, the hawking sounds along the streets and alleys, and the roar of cars when he worked at the Nanjing Automobile Manufacturing Plant.

"What sounds do you remember from December 13th?"

"Alarm sound."

Although he didn't understand what Cao Zhong was trying to do, Zu Feng suddenly felt a jolt when those four numbers were mentioned.

These four numbers are already etched into his very bones.

When he was allowed to talk, he subconsciously forgot about the alarm.

It's because he doesn't want to think about it.

Cao Zhong nodded.

"Tell me your thoughts on this alarm."

Zu Feng sighed, "Actually, I don't have any particular opinion. It's just hatred? A deep-seated hatred. What can I say? In short, Nanjing will never forget this blood debt."

"I'm sorry to make you think about these things."

Cao Zhong finally handed the script to Zu Feng.

"Senior, take a look at this script."

Zu Feng frowned and reached out to take the script that Cao Zhongxin had typed out.

Opening the script, those memories come flooding back.

It was a memory imprinted in his mind, one that would never be erased.

After the Battle of Shanghai, the Japanese army advanced on Nanjing from three directions. At three high-level staff meetings, most generals decided to abandon Nanjing. However, Tang Shengzhi believed that Nanjing was the capital and the mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, so he decided to defend it and promised to "remain calm in the face of danger and not compromise in the face of difficulties".

After the outer defenses gradually crumbled, the army's advance was already heading towards Guanghua Gate in Nanjing.

Tang Shengzhi refused to surrender and ordered his troops to hold their ground.

Meanwhile, a division commander inside Zhonghua Gate, unwilling to die, attempted to escape, causing chaos within the city.

Left with no other choice, Tang Shengzhi had to abandon Nanjing.

The city of Nanjing was already in complete chaos.

Zu Feng looked at the script, and from the very first second the character Su Liuchang appeared, the background imprinted in his mind began to gradually resurface, as if he were back in Nanjing.

Silence fell over the room.

It took more than half an hour.

Zu Feng then closed the script and shut his eyes.

Cao Zhong didn't let Zu Feng get out of his emotional state. He called out to him twice and asked sincerely.

"Senior brother, do you... want to go down in history?"

(End of this chapter)