HuaYu97: Starting as a Singer

Chapter 175 [175] How Strong is Chen Kaige Who Doesn't Touch the Script?
When Qi Yuan took out the script, he didn't immediately tell Chen Kaige to film it. He planned to take a roundabout approach and slowly lure Chen Kaige into the trap.

"At the last premiere of 'Jing Ke,' Mr. Chen said I had a talent for directing. I've been thinking about it for a long time and finally came up with a script. I wonder if Mr. Chen could give me some pointers."

In Director Du's words today, this script should be considered a practice piece for me; it might be a little bit lacking.

"Oh? You wrote the script?"

Chen Kaige's eyes lit up, quite surprised.

He was especially happy to hear that Qi Yuan had been influenced by him to write the script.

For this reason alone, even if Qi Yuan's script is a pile of crap, he will still read it word for word.

I took the notebook and looked at the title page.

"A love as beautiful as a bouquet of flowers, and the handwriting is quite nice."

Chen Kaige commented that the script was handwritten by Qi Yuan.

Chen Kaige found the characterization of the male and female protagonists as artistic young people quite interesting.

The story is simple, depicting the dilemma faced by a young couple of artistic souls in the face of the conflict between ideals and reality in contemporary society.

The love between the male and female protagonists has its joys and sorrows, just like the title of the film. It is simple and beautiful, but in the end, it has to wither away with the passage of time.

Chen Kaige may be a bit lacking in screenwriting skills, but as a top director, his ability to appreciate art is unquestionable.

"Wonderful! Wonderful! Is this really your first time writing a screenplay? It's so good!"

Chen Kaige noticed that the script had a subtle satirical flavor.

The male and female protagonists appear to be soulmates, but they are actually narcissists.

They discovered that they shared similar hobbies and tastes, and concluded that the other was their soulmate.

From the moment they met, to their confession, to living together, it was the other person who fulfilled their psychological needs the whole time.

Their shared hobby is products packaged by consumerism.

When the male protagonist compromises with life, transforming from an artistic youth into a corporate slave and giving up artistic consumption such as movies, literature, and music, the female protagonist thinks that the male protagonist has changed.

The female protagonist felt that what she liked, he no longer liked, so she stopped liking him.

The male protagonist thinks that even though he no longer likes the woman he likes, he is no longer suitable for her.

The two only shared similar interests; their values ​​and souls never truly aligned.

What kills love is not external forces, but their misunderstanding of the essence of love.

They didn't love each other, but rather the idealized life they envisioned.

Qi Yuan secretly added a little something of his own, replacing some of the literature with poetry, especially Li Bai's poems.

Chen Kaige was thoroughly enjoying the script, thinking that Qi Yuan was indeed a person of taste, just like him, liking Li Bai's poetry.

Moreover, the male and female leads' favorite movie is Chen Kaige's "Farewell My Concubine," which made Chen Kaige even happier.

"I can't believe that you could write such a good script for the first time."

Chen Kaige spoke highly of the script, saying that its slightly satirical and artistic tone suited his taste perfectly, and that Li Bai and "Farewell My Concubine" were the icing on the cake.

"You flatter me, it's just a practice piece." Qi Yuan waved his hand.

Chen Kaige wanted to say, "What a load of crap! This script is better than mine. Why call this a practice piece?"
Qi Yuan's screenwriting talent surpasses his own, although Chen Kaige is somewhat reluctant to admit it.

Having witnessed Qi Yuan's screenwriting abilities, Chen Kaige wanted to guide Qi Yuan towards becoming a director.

"If you excel at singing, you can become an actor; if you excel at acting, you can become a director. Do you want to be a director? You've written a great script, why don't you just direct it yourself?"

"I can get Third Master from China Film Group to invest some money in you. He really likes to support promising young directors."

Chen Kaige was very enthusiastic; he really wanted to bring Qi Yuan into the directing circle.

He's asked, and Master Han will definitely give Qi Yuan a sum of money to practice with. I can't say how much, but it'll definitely be a few million. Money isn't the point; getting investment from China Film Group is like getting a ticket into the directing world.

As long as you don't follow the example of some directors who make banned films, the entire process of getting approved and released will be solved.

"Mr. Chen thinks too highly of me. I have never studied how to be a director and do not have the ability to manage a film crew."

Qi Yuan had a helpless expression. He only possessed Chen Kaige's ultimate visual ability and had a deep understanding of composition, but he didn't understand anything else. He still had to continue to exploit the attributes of these big shots.

"That's true. Directing is a very complex profession, and you still have a long way to go before you can become a director."

Chen Kaige pondered for a moment and then agreed.

At this moment, Chen Hong, who was reading the script, glanced at the two of them and said, "Kaige, have you forgotten that you are a director? Ayuan has no experience, so you can help him film it. Why don't you just be the director? Anyway, the script is good, and it won't take long to make a movie."

Chen Hong also thought the script was good, but it was a pity that her age was not suitable, otherwise she could have acted opposite Qi Yuan.

Qi Yuan was overjoyed and gave Chen Hong a grateful look. Chen Hong's words had saved him a lot of trouble.

He picked up where Chen Hong left off, saying, "I think Sister Hong's suggestion is good. Mr. Chen, if you direct this movie, I can learn from you again. Last time I shot a music video, I learned some applications of visual elements. It would be great if I could learn a little more."

Chen Kaige was a little tempted; he had witnessed firsthand how strong Qi Yuan's learning ability was.

At the premiere of "Jing Ke", he asked Qi Yuan to analyze some scenes in the film, including the shots, colors, and lighting effects. Qi Yuan's analysis was very insightful.

What's most impressive is that Qi Yuan's understanding is exactly the same as his.

What a kindred spirit! This young man truly understands him.

Chen Kaige suddenly had this idea.

If Qi Yuan really learns all his skills, wouldn't he be able to beat Zhang Yingmou in his place?

Zhang Yingmou once carried a camera for him, but he disdained to argue with Zhang Yingmou.

If we train Qi Yuan well, we can let Qi Yuan fight for it on his behalf.

The apprentices he personally trained are no less capable than Zhang Yingmou. Is there any need to discuss who is more skilled between him and Zhang Yingmou?

Chen Kaige increasingly felt that this idea was feasible.

"Okay, let's make this film. I'll take the script with me first, and later I'll teach you how to make a good film step by step."

Chen Kaige was already excited just imagining Qi Yuan beating up Zhang Yingmou for him.

This kind of modern romance film, which doesn't require building a city, doesn't cost much; a month or two is more than enough.

Thinking of something, Chen Kaige gritted his teeth and said again, "I will not change a single word of this script."

Chen Kaige was worried that one day he would lose control and want to change the script again, so he made a vow in front of Qi Yuan, cutting off any way out.

He wanted to groom Qi Yuan to become a director; he couldn't let Qi Yuan steal the spotlight.

He revised the script, the movie was a success, and everyone will think it was all his doing.

Some even believe that the film's success was due to his script revisions.

That won't do. How can he steal his apprentice's credit?

So this time he will not change a single word and will control his urge to express himself.

He wanted everyone to know that he, as the mentor, had done a good job guiding Qi Yuan, and that Qi Yuan, as the student, had done a good job writing.

Qi Yuan was overjoyed upon hearing Chen Kaige's declaration.

This wave is about to take off.

Chen Kaige, who doesn't touch scripts, has an extremely high potential, truly on par with the National Director.

(End of this chapter)