HuaYu: Starting with Photography to Navigate the Entertainment Industry

The moment the screen lit up, the quiet chatter in the conference room abruptly ceased.

No one spoke; even their breathing became unconsciously softer.

After a long while, Li Gongda excitedly pointed at the screen, saying excitedly,

"Okay, okay, okay, that's the feeling!"

Once he started, everyone else came alive, their faces either filled with excitement or disbelief, loudly discussing the photos on the screen.

The photo is a full-body shot of Liu Tao, but it is not a typical promotional photo.

The image spreads outwards from the central axis, as if cleaved in two by time, or as if a being stands on the boundary between the mortal world and the celestial realm, one half still in the mountain breeze, the other half already immersed in the mundane world.

The left half of the photo shows a cool-toned mountain mist.

Liu Tao's long hair was half-disheveled, the ends of which were slightly lifted by the wind, and a small white wildflower petal clung to his temple, as if he had just walked out of a deep mountain forest.

The wide sleeves of white gauze were filled with wind, their outline edged with a layer of cold morning light.

His left arm was casually draped over the old tree branch beside him, his fingertips nonchalantly tugging at a strand of hair, his wrist hanging loosely, and even his knuckles exuding an air of unrestrained freedom.

She looked up, her eyes unusually bright, unbelievably bright, like the brightest star in the sky, brilliant but not dazzling.

Bright and open, yet nonchalant.

His eyes held an untamed, unrestrained arrogance.

Her vibrant face, paired with her slender swan neck, her fair and luminous shoulders, and the breathtaking curve of her chest beneath them, imbued her beauty with a wild and unrestrained charm.

Is this the "both demon and not demon" side of her?

Everyone was amazed by this vibrant "demon".

And on the other side of the photo.

It's a warm-toned candlelight.

The same face, but her long hair was now styled into a gentle, flowing bun, with only two stray strands of hair at her temples, and a small silver hairpin securely fastened in her hair.

The narrow-sleeved cotton-linen dress clung to her shoulders, and her right fingertips gently pressed against the kraft paper medicine packet, as if she had just wrapped the medicine and was weighing it.

She had been looking down, as if she had seen her husband returning home, but she raised her eyes and her gaze fell on him.

Her eyes softened, and a faint, reassuring smile played at the corners of her lips.

The warm light of the candle fell on her cheeks, casting a soft, velvety glow, making her look dignified and gentle.

She has the look of a wife living amidst the everyday realities of life, exuding a down-to-earth, down-to-earth charm.

But beneath this dignified and virtuous wife demeanor, there lies an undercurrent of exquisite charm.

That charm was hidden in the tips of her ears, which were slightly pink from the rush of blood and qi.

That charm is hidden in bright, smiling eyes;

That charm was hidden in the slightly upturned corners of her lips.

This is Liu Tao's "Succubus Divine Skill".

This is also a side of her that is "both human and not human"!

"My God!"

A young girl from the art group, who had accompanied Xu Lang for a photoshoot that afternoon, looked at the photo with disbelief in her eyes.

"Is...is this Sister Tao?"

How can someone be half demon and half human?

Is this photoshopped?

Her words had barely left her lips when the director of photography spoke up, saying with great certainty,

"It's not photoshopped! Look at the transitions between light and shadow—it's so natural!"

He said this, but leaned forward, his brow furrowed, his eyes filled with an incredulous, professional scrutiny.

"The left half is hard backlighting with rim light, and the right half is soft front light with windowpane shadow. These were taken from the same camera position in two separate shots."

The transition is so smooth, it doesn't even affect the skin texture.

This creativity and this execution are simply terrifying!

He had been a photographer for over a decade and had never seen such a bizarre photo.

"That wild energy on the left is... absolutely amazing!"

The art director tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, couldn't help but lick his lips, and muttered to himself.

"Although she is called a demon, she is not evil at all. She has a kind of clear and pure energy nurtured by heaven and earth, which is far superior to those seductive and alluring enchantresses."

Assistant director Qin Jun stared wide-eyed and mouth agape at the photo. After a long while, he wiped his mouth, swallowed, and said:

"The gentle strength on the right is also wonderful. It looks upright, but there's a hint of softness at the corner of the eye..."

Tsk tsk tsk!

It possesses a hidden charm, not seductive, but rather captivating the more you look at it.

At this point, he couldn't help but glance at Liu Tao, a hint of smugness creeping over him.

"Old Qin's eye for talent is unparalleled!"

Bai Peng stood next to Xu Lang, looking at the photo, rubbing his eyes, rubbing his eyes again, looking at the photo again, muttering incredulously.

"Is this photo alive? It keeps changing! One minute it's a demon, the next it's a human. Who can stand it?"

Li Gongda stood up excitedly, put his hands behind his back, leaned close to the screen, leaned forward slightly, and stared intently at it.

His biggest concern at the beginning was that this version of "The Legend of the White Snake" would inevitably be influenced by Zhao Yazhi.

With others having already created masterpieces, no matter how you film it, you're just going around in circles within their framework. After watching it, the audience will only say, "It's not as good as the classics."

To be honest, he looked down on those small dramas and wanted to create something different, even surpassing the original "Legend of the White Snake".

But as the project started and progressed, he became somewhat disheartened.

Creating a classic character is so difficult!

But the photo in front of him gave him hope.

This feeling completely broke out of the original framework.

The White Snake in his heart was nurtured by heaven and earth, carrying a gentle breeze and freedom, yet also deeply affectionate and devoted, willing to give up the transcendent existence of becoming an immortal for the sake of her love for Xu Xian.

"Both human and demon, neither human nor demon!"

OK!

That's exactly how it feels.

He could already imagine the reaction that would be if this poster were released:

Viewers won't compare it to the classic version; they'll just be curious about what story this version of The Legend of the White Snake tells.

This is the hope for breaking the deadlock!

Unlike the others who were shocked, Liu Tao had already seen the photo.

But looking at it now, she was still incredibly excited.

She couldn't help but look at Xu Lang not far away.

"This man paved a new path for himself, opened a new door; he truly deserves our gratitude!"

Xu Lang had already anticipated everyone's reaction.

But to be honest, he was also shocked when he saw the finished product.

Unlike Liu Yifei's ethereal beauty, Liu Tao's inherent charm is like a pure, fine wine—it's simply irresistible!

Just one whiff and one sip is enough to make you feel intoxicated.

What a beauty!

As Xu Lang was sighing, he heard Li Gongda make a sound.

He didn't look at Xu Lang, but instead spoke to the director of photography and the art director:

"The style of the White Snake in the production team is completely based on this feeling. Any inconsistencies in the script are modified to fit this feeling, understand?"

Actually, even without Li Gongda's instructions, the two of them already had this plan.

Now, hearing Li Gongda say this, the two immediately nodded:

"Producer Li, don't worry, I've found my rhythm."

"good!"

Li Gongda then looked at Bai Peng and instructed him:

"From now on, all promotional materials must adhere to a proper tone, understand?"

At this moment, Bai Peng genuinely admired Xu Lang. Hearing Li Gongda's words, he sincerely replied:

"I know that I will take Professor Xu's advice into account in my future promotional efforts."

Only then did Li Gongda look at Xu Lang, his eyes filled with amazement.

"Good job, kid. You did a much better job than I expected."

Upon hearing Li Gongda's praise, Xu Lang quickly replied modestly:

"Producer Li, you're too kind. Even if we have achieved something, it was all under your guidance."

"Haha, you little rascal!"

Li Gongda pointed at Xu Lang and burst into laughter.

Then, after a moment's thought, he said:

"Come with me in a bit, I need to talk to you about something."