HuaYu: Starting with Photography to Navigate the Entertainment Industry

Upon hearing Li Gongda's comment, Xu Lang responded with a smile:

"Producer Lee, then I'll say something that's beyond my scope as a cinematographer, something I shouldn't say."

His words immediately made the others tense again, each thinking to themselves:

"If you know you shouldn't say it, then don't say it!"

But now, Xu Lang has lost control and is going all out.

After scanning the crowd, Xu Lang said in a deep voice:

I particularly agree with Producer Li's recent "new perspective" on positioning.

Our CCTV dramas should have this kind of style and confidence, and have their own unique elements.

but..."

His use of "but" was emphasized, causing everyone present to feel a jolt of unease.

Even Li Gongda felt a chill run down his spine. After all, the words before "but" were flattering, so what followed "but" must be a denial!

Then Xu Lang said:

"However, the position can be high, but it cannot be suspended in the air, especially for someone like me at the execution level. The work must be grounded in reality and have real capacity, not just be empty and unrealistic."

Moreover, the audience's perception needs to be guided.

If we can't offer anything of our own to guide the audience, then they'll only compare it to "The Legend of the White Snake," which is a psychological inertia we have to acknowledge.

Seeing the anxiety on everyone's faces, and Li Gongda's growing impatience, Xu Lang said gratefully again:

"The key now is the content that gets implemented."

As he spoke, he held up the script again.

"The White Snake in 'The Legend of the White Snake' is a goddess who descended to earth to repay kindness and help the world. The core of her story is 'goodness,' and she is a high and mighty goddess."

Our "New Legend of the White Snake" tells the story of a thousand-year-old demon cultivator who, seeking immortality, falls into the mortal world and willingly becomes human. The core is "demon" and "human".

This is the biggest difference between us and "The Legend of the White Snake," and it is also our greatest source of confidence.

In our promotional materials, we didn't focus on the "fairy" aspect of the White Snake Lady, but rather on her transformation "from demon to human".

It would be good if a deity descended to repay a debt of gratitude and help the world, but after all, the distance between them is quite far.

The concepts of transvestites and married women are inherently trending, giving audiences a sense of novelty and creating a significant difference from the old version of the White Snake.

Therefore, I suggest that our promotional theme be:

A thousand-year-old demon cultivator, only wants to be a wife!

Or, to be more direct, let's focus on:

A transvestite? A married woman?

As soon as Xu Lang finished speaking, the meeting room erupted in noise, filled with chatter and laughter.

"What kind of nonsense is this?"

"Yeah, why are they using terms like 'ladyboy' and 'married woman'? Isn't that bordering on something?"

"How can we, CCTV's major productions, resort to such tactics?"

Even Liu Tao was somewhat alarmed, his gaze towards Xu Lang filled with complex emotions, and he was secretly amazed.

"He really dares to say what he thinks!"

Tang Yan and Yang Ying, who were sitting in the corner, reacted differently.

Upon hearing the words "transvestite and married woman," Yang Ying became excited, gave Xu Lang a thumbs-up, and whispered:

"Brother Lang, what you said is so true, I want to watch it now."

Tang Yan, however, was filled with worry, her face etched with concern.

"Damn it, this trip to Hengdian was a complete waste!"

As everyone discussed the matter, their gazes eventually turned to Li Gongda.

Li Gongda frowned as he looked at Xu Lang, also shocked.

"This kid really dares to talk nonsense!"

But you know what, hearing the words "ladyboy" and "married woman" really makes me a little itchy inside.

After glancing at Liu Tao, he felt...

"Liu Tao is indeed very suitable for playing both transvestites and married women."

Thinking of this, he looked at Xu Lang again and couldn't help but sigh.

"That kid has a really sharp eye. Putting everything else aside, the fact that he noticed this trait in Liu Tao proves he's a skilled photographer!"

Seeing everyone staring at him, Li Gongda knew it was time for him to make the decision.

After a moment's hesitation, he said in a deep voice:

"Xu Lang's statement is indeed bold, even somewhat unorthodox."

His description of Xu Lang caused another wave of sighs from the crowd.

But turning his head, he heard Li Gongda say again:

"However, Xu Lang's ability as a photographer is beyond doubt; after all, he has works like 'One Person, Two Immortals' to his name."

His words drew another sigh from the crowd.

Ultimately, it comes down to ability; having solid work gives you confidence.

"How about this?"

Li Gongda made a decision.

"Xu Lang, don't worry about the theme or the positioning. Just take a set of promotional photos for Liu Tao according to your own ideas, and then see how they turn out."

Upon hearing this, Xu Lang was overjoyed.

After all, arguing with these people is Xu Lang's weakness.

But when it comes to taking photos, that's his forte.

Xu Lang was confident that the photos he had taken would shut everyone up.

After hearing what Li Gongda said, the others dared not say anything more.

The meeting ended abruptly without any resolution, all thanks to Xu Lang's disruption.

On the way back to her room, Yang Ying skipped and hopped excitedly, praising Xu Lang incessantly.

"Brother Lang, your theme about ladyboys and married women is so appealing! As soon as it's released, the audience will definitely be interested!"

"Nonsense, who wouldn't be interested in something borderline?"

As Xu Lang spoke, he looked at Tang Yan, whose face was full of worry, and asked with a smile:

"What? Worried I'll mess things up again?"

"Huh? No."

Although Tang Yan thought this way, she still denied it in her words.

Seeing this, Xu Lang chuckled and said without any concern:

"Don't worry, although I'm bold, I'm not talking nonsense. Sometimes, the more serious the film crew is, the more you need to give them some strong medicine."

At this point, Xu Lang couldn't help but feel a little smug.

"Look, the final result is pretty good, isn't it? The fact that Li Gongda still let me film shows that he agrees with what I said."

"Um?"

Tang Yan was surprised by Xu Lang's theory, but upon reflection, she realized that what he said made some sense.

As Xu Lang was speaking, his phone beeped with a text message notification. He took it out and saw that it was from Liu Tao:

"Wait for me in the room, I'll come find you."

"Oh?"

Xu Lang was somewhat surprised upon seeing this message.

But after thinking about it, I realized that Liu Tao must also be there for the content of today's meeting and the subsequent photo shoot.

"Okay, Sister Tao."

After replying to Liu Tao's text message, Xu Lang sent Tang Yan and Yang Ying away and waited for Liu Tao alone in the room.

At the same time, he was also wondering what Liu Tao wanted to talk to her about.

Soon, there was a knock on the door.

Xu Lang opened the door and saw Liu Tao standing outside.

"Sister Tao, please come in."

"it is good."

As Liu Tao spoke, he walked into the room.

Xu Lang hesitated for a moment, but instead of closing the door, he left it wide open and then turned around and went into the room.

Seeing Xu Lang's actions, Liu Tao nodded. After all, it's not exactly flattering for an actress to go to a hotel room to find a male photographer.

The door being left wide open was a choice Xu Lang made specifically to protect Liu Tao.

"This young man is quite thoughtful."

As Liu Tao was pondering this, Xu Lang walked over, smiled at her, and asked:

"Sister Tao, what do you need me for?"