Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 184, Section 182: The Famous Detective Unsheathed

Leave the factory manager's office.

Wang Sheng didn't linger and went straight downstairs.

……

We arrived at the "Enlight Media Conference Room" on the first floor of the main building of Beijing Film Studio.

The final preparatory meeting before the start of filming for the TV series "The Four Great Constables" was held here.

Pushing open the conference room door, storyboards, scene design drawings, and actors' makeup test photos were spread out on the long conference table, while huge character relationship diagrams and photos of outdoor locations such as Beijing and Wuxi were pasted on the wall.

Director Li Guoli stood in front of the whiteboard, marking the shooting schedule with a pen, and discussing in hushed tones with producer Cai Yinong beside him.

The executive director, martial arts choreographer, art director, costume designer, production manager, and other key members of the creative team sat around the table, the atmosphere serious and focused.

"Mr. Wang."

When Li Guoli saw Wang Sheng enter, he immediately stopped talking and went to greet him.

Cai Yinong also turned around, with a professional and capable smile on her face.

Cai Yinong set up a dedicated management team for Cecilia Cheung. After half a month of adjustment, the executive manager of this management team is currently a girl named Li Xiuxiu, who reports directly to Cai Yinong.

Tsai Yi-nong was able to free up her time to return to the production of "The Four Great Shopkeepers".

Wang Sheng nodded, walked to the head seat and sat down, his gaze sweeping over everyone present: "Is everyone here? Let's begin."

"Yes."

Li Guoli returned to the whiteboard, cleared his throat, and said, "President Wang, colleagues, we are now holding the final preparatory meeting before the start of filming for 'The Four Great Constables.' I will briefly go through the finalized plan, and please confirm it and check for any omissions or deficiencies."

The meeting then officially began.

"First, there's the final cast list. We strictly followed the tone you set earlier, Mr. Wang, prioritizing mainland actors for the main roles to ensure the authenticity and relatability of the series, while also taking market considerations into account."

He picked up a list and began to read it aloud:
"Wuqing (Cheng Yayu), the one we have finally chosen is Hu Bing."

Li Guoli explained, "Mr. Hu Bing is tall and handsome with a touch of aloofness, which fits the image of the ruthless young master who is disabled but determined and resourceful. In recent years, he has gained a lot of popularity with dramas such as 'New York Storm,' and his background as a model also gives him a unique temperament."

Wang Sheng nodded slightly upon hearing this.

Hu Bing was indeed a representative young actor in mainland China in the late 1990s, with excellent looks and sufficient fame.

"We invited Hu Jun to play the role of Iron Hand (Tie Youxia)."

Li Guoli continued, "Mr. Hu Jun has solid acting skills, a resolute and upright temperament, and a strong physique, which perfectly matches the iron hands that have mastered the 'unwavering divine skill' and the calm and reliable character of Tie Shou. His performance in works such as 'East Palace West Palace' is evident to all, and he can handle this kind of restrained yet powerful role very well."

Wang Sheng nodded again.

Hu Jun's tough guy image is deeply ingrained in people's minds, making him the perfect choice for the role of Iron Hand.

"Zhuiming (Cui Lueshang) is played by Li Yapeng."

Li Guoli said, "Mr. Li Yapeng has a free and unrestrained temperament with a touch of wandering spirit, which matches the characteristics of Zhui Ming, who is addicted to alcohol, has superb lightness skills, and is also loyal and righteous. His starring role in 'Love Line Between Beijing and Hong Kong' is currently very popular and can attract young audiences."

Wang Sheng nodded slightly.

"Leng Xue (Leng Lingqi): This role was ultimately decided to be played by Shao Bing."

Li Guoli looked at Wang Sheng: "Mr. Shao Bing has distinct facial features and sharp eyes. He has a kind of coldness and wildness like a lone wolf, which fits the image of Leng Xue, who was raised by wolves since childhood, has a reclusive personality, and is ruthless. His tough performance in films and television works such as 'Red River Valley' is impressive."

Wang Sheng also approved of the casting of Shao Bing, whose masculine and aloof temperament was unique among male actors at the time.

"Zhuge Zhengwo (Mr. Zhuge): We have extended a special invitation to Professor Bao Guoan."

Li Guoli said with respect: "Teacher Bao is a veteran artist who has starred in 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms'. His acting skills are superb and his aura is powerful. As a strategist who has the world in his heart, he is impeccable in terms of authority, wisdom and mastery."

Wang Sheng was very satisfied with this.

Bao Guoan's portrayal of Cao Cao is deeply ingrained in people's minds, and his acting skills and presence are sufficient to support the role of Zhuge Zhengwo, the core elder. "The female lead/core female character, Ji Yaohua, we chose Zhang Bozhi for this role."

Li Guoli added, "Ms. Cecilia Cheung's period costume look is absolutely stunning, and her temperament combines gentleness and brightness, which perfectly matches the complexity and charm of Ji Yaohua as a legendary woman in the martial arts world, navigating between various forces. Her current popularity and recognition are extremely high, which is an important part of ensuring the show's ratings and buzz."

"In addition, other important supporting characters such as:
Shu Wuxi is played by Liu Wei.

Huo Yinchi is played by Li Bingbing.
The Nine Netherworld God is played by Li Ming.

Bubble is played by Wang Qinghua...

This is the complete cast list and costume photos. Please take a look, Mr. Wang.

Li Bingbing?
Hear this familiar name.

Wang Sheng paused for a moment.

Cai Yinong, who had been observing him, said at the right moment, "There are some promising talents among these actors. Li Bingbing is a pretty good one. The company has signed a five-year management contract with her."

"Oh."

Wang Sheng didn't say anything more. He quickly flipped through the cast list, looking at the familiar, handsome, and beautiful faces, as well as their costumes that had already been tested and combined Gu Long's martial arts style with modern aesthetics. He had a basic idea of ​​what to expect.

This cast, at this point in time, is both luxurious and precise, covering acting talents, idols, and veteran actors, maximizing the balance between role suitability and market appeal.

Next are the shooting schedule and production budget.

“The filming period is set for two months,” Li Guoli said, pointing to the schedule. “We plan to start filming in mid-April in the studios in Beijing and the surrounding ancient buildings, mainly shooting interior scenes and scenes set in Beijing.”

In mid-May, the filming location shifted to the Wuxi Film and Television Base to shoot scenes in the Jiangnan water towns and some outdoor scenes. In mid-June, the filming returned to Beijing for reshoots and the finale.

Filming is expected to be completed by July. Post-production will proceed simultaneously, with the aim of finishing the film in October and targeting a release date at the end of the year or early next year.

The production manager then reported the detailed budget: "The total production cost is set at 12.8 million yuan. Actor salaries account for about 25%, which is within the control range you previously requested, Mr. Wang. Production costs are the bulk of the budget, including costumes, props, set rentals, equipment, post-production special effects (although not many, but some necessary martial arts atmosphere and light-footed kung fu effects), food, lodging, and transportation, accounting for about 60%. 15% is reserved as contingency funds for unforeseen expenses and publicity."

Wang Sheng flipped through the detailed budget report, each item clearly listed.

This budget was a significant investment for television production at the time, but considering the martial arts theme of "The Four Great Constables," the need for real set construction and numerous outdoor scenes, as well as the cast of talented actors, this figure was reasonable and necessary.

What he values ​​is the quality of the final product and the long-term benefits that the IP may bring in the future.

"Have the safety measures at the filming locations and the insurance for the cast and crew been implemented?" Wang Sheng asked, looking up.

"Everything's been arranged, Mr. Wang. Especially for the action scenes, we've hired a professional stunt team, and safety agreements and insurance are all in place," the production manager replied quickly.

Wang Sheng closed the folder, leaned back in his chair, and glanced at each of the main creators present.

“I’ve reviewed all the documents, no problems.” His voice was calm, yet carried a decisive force: “This project can be launched.”

Everyone in the conference room breathed a sigh of relief, their faces beaming with excitement.

"Director Li, President Cai," Wang Sheng said, looking at Li Guoli and Cai Yinong, "The Four Great Constables is the first large-scale martial arts TV series project that our Enlight Media has independently led since its establishment, and it is also an important step in building our content portfolio."

The core of Wen Ruian's martial arts world is not just fighting and killing, but also a contest of humanity, chivalry and power struggles.

I hope this drama can capture the helplessness of being caught in the web of power and the passion for justice hidden behind the names "Iron Hand Ruthless, Life Chaser Cold-Blooded."

He paused, then emphasized, "What I want is not a simple martial arts drama, but a martial arts legend with style, sentiment, and memorable characters."

The action design needs to be beautiful, but more importantly, it needs to fit the characters' personalities and the logic of the plot; the scenes need to be realistic, not cheap; and I want to see the 'soul' in the actors' performances!
I've provided the money; I've allocated the resources. The rest is up to you all.

Li Guoli nodded solemnly, "Rest assured, President Wang, we will do our utmost to live up to your expectations!"

Tsai Yi-nong added, "I will keep a close eye on actor management and crew coordination to ensure smooth filming."

"Alright." Wang Sheng stood up. "Then I wish our 'The Four Great Constables' a successful start to filming, a smooth production, and soaring ratings!"

The meeting concluded in an atmosphere of anticipation and enthusiasm.

(End of this chapter)