HuaYu: Starting with Photography to Navigate the Entertainment Industry

Even if my work is excellent, you can't give me all the awards!

It's a complete cover-up, an absolute cover-up!

Looking at the list in his hand, Xu Lang felt flattered.

And some Versailles!

But he soon realized that these awards were probably just for publicity.

Sure enough, Zhang Hao said...

"Teacher Xu, to be honest, our drama 'The Return of the Condor Heroes' was designed to generate buzz from the very beginning with the open casting call. Even later, the feud between stars like Jiang Qinqin and Zhou Xun over the role of Little Dragon Girl was part of the publicity stunt."

These past few days, I've been racking my brains about how to continue the hype for the next round, and then you appeared, just in time for the Super Girl finale's buzz—a truly rare opportunity.

At this point, he picked up the proposal and explained it to Xu Lang:

"This time, we'll start by throwing out the hook that the behind-the-scenes creator of the Super Girl champion, namely you, left the final early on the night of the final, to attract readers."

Then we solved the mystery: what was Xu Lang rushing off to do?

As Zhang Hao spoke, his expression turned smug.

"Yes, it's because his two entries in the Beijing Film Academy's photography competition not only won first and second place, but the two models he photographed were also selected as special audition actors by the crew of The Return of the Condor Heroes."

See, the hype started with Super Girl and has now spread to The Return of the Condor Heroes, hasn't it?

Zhang Hao became increasingly smug as he spoke.

"Going forward, we will delve deeper into your ideas and process for shooting these two sets of works, and take this opportunity to promote Qin Feifei and Su Wan to see the market's reaction."

"oh!"

Upon hearing Zhang Hao's explanation, Xu Lang immediately understood.

"They also wanted to use this method to see how well Qin Feifei and Su Wan were accepted by the public. If it was good, then these two people would naturally become actors from the special audition."

What if the market reaction is bad?

Then... no, that's it!

Now, Xu Lang finally understood Zhang Hao's thoughts completely.

Seeing his eloquent manner, Xu Lang couldn't help but give him a thumbs up.

"Zhang, your plan is truly brilliant! Riding the wave of Super Girl to promote yourselves—impressive, truly impressive!"

"You flatter me!"

Although Zhang Hao spoke modestly, his face betrayed his immense pride.

"Teacher Xu, I'm all about execution. The key to this plan is you."

"Um."

Xu Lang nodded.

This is exactly what he wanted.

It could even be said that it was better than he had expected.

As long as Qin Feifei and Su Wan are associated with the "The Return of the Condor Heroes" production team, there will be many benefits beyond just the two characters.

Although he was quite satisfied, Xu Lang still frowned slightly.

"Zhang, what benefits do I get for cooperating with you all this time?"

Xu Langding is known as a "black-hearted businessman." He can squeeze the piss out of even the toads he handles. How could he not take a few more bites of this piece of fat meat that is offered to him?

Zhang Hao seemed to have anticipated Xu Lang's question, and gave a smirk.

"Teacher Xu, as for the benefits, that's easy to say. I've already reported to Director Zhang. If this 'hype' succeeds, then the cinematographer for the 'The Return of the Condor Heroes' crew will be yours."

"A photographer?"

Although Xu Lang works in print, he understands the role and significance of a photographer.

In a film crew, simply put, there are two types of people: cinematographers and videographers.

Photographers are responsible for taking still photos to prepare materials for publicity and distribution, and they are usually assigned to the publicity and distribution team.

The cameraman is responsible for shooting videos, also known as the "camera operator," and is definitely a big shot in the crew!

Just like the photography department at the Beijing Film Academy, which focuses on two-dimensional and still photography;

The photography department, on the other hand, focuses on dynamic video.

Although in terms of status and role, a photographer is far from being comparable to a videographer, receiving the title of photographer for the "Condor Heroes" crew was still far beyond Xu Lang's expectations.

nice!

Putting everything else aside, having this title gives one the qualification and opportunity to film Liu Yifei and Yang Mi.

Otherwise, even if he were two or three times more famous than he is now, it would be impossible for him to film Liu Yifei.

Just as Xu Lang was about to nod in agreement, his cell phone rang again in his pocket.

"Excuse me, I need to take this call."

Xu Lang looked at the phone; it was another unfamiliar number.

"Hello, who is this?"

"Hello, are you the creator of the video 'Always Quiet'?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Lang immediately felt a jolt.

After uploading the video, he specifically left his contact information in his account, and he didn't expect it to have such a quick effect.

"Yes, I did it."

"Oh, okay, may I ask, was you also the composer of that song inside?"

"You're talking about the song 'Always Quiet,' right? I wrote it, and I own the copyright."

Xu Lang directly addressed the copyright issue, asking, "Who are you?"

"Hello, I am the music director of the 'Chinese Paladin' production team. My name is Huang Haoran."

Upon hearing this, Xu Lang couldn't help but burst into laughter inwardly.

"Haha, the bait's only been out for a day and the fish's already biting! That's efficient!"

This is also why his video became so popular.

Not only was Xu Lang surprised, but Zhang Hao, sitting opposite him, was also taken aback.

Zhang Hao knew this "Chinese Paladin" production team very well, after all, Liu Yifei, who played Xiaolongnu, was now going to this "Chinese Paladin" production team to play the female lead Zhao Ling'er.

"Why did the production team of 'Chinese Paladin' approach him? Is it about music? Besides photography, can he also write songs?"

Zhang Hao listened intently, and then he heard Xu Lang say:

"What do you want from me?"

"Our production team is very interested in this song and would like to use it as an insert song for our TV series. When would be a convenient time for you to discuss the licensing details?"

So that's what it was all about.

Xu Lang nodded inwardly, pondered for a moment, glanced at Zhang Hao opposite him, and suddenly changed the subject, asking Huang Haoran,

Do you know what I'm doing right now?

"Well..."

Huang Haoran was a little confused. What are you doing? What does this have to do with me? Is this guy crazy?

Before he could answer, Xu Lang said directly:

"I'm currently discussing the cinematographer issue with the production team of 'The Return of the Condor Heroes'."

At this point, he held his phone up to Zhang Hao and said with a smile:

"Zhang, the people on the other end of the phone are all your colleagues, from the Legend of Sword and Fairy crew. Aren't you going to say hello?"

"I..."

Zhang Hao was speechless at Xu Lang's antics. Could he really play like this?

That kid is too cunning!

Xu Lang's purpose was perfectly clear to him: wasn't this just using the "Condor Heroes" production team to boost his own value?

It's like writing on a job application resume that you were the chief cinematographer for the TV series "The Return of the Condor Heroes".

Now, things are just starting to take shape, and this guy is already putting his little bit of background to use.

However, with the phone already at his lips, and the rest depending on Xu Lang, Zhang Hao could only smile and say into the phone:

"Hello, I'm from the production team of 'The Return of the Condor Heroes'. I'm currently discussing cinematography with Mr. Xu Lang."

Huang Haoran, on the other side, was both shocked and helpless upon hearing this sudden interruption, still wondering what was going on.

"Could it be that this kid was prepared all along and conspired with others to deceive me?"

Just then, one of Zhang Haoli's names caught his attention.

"Xu Lang?"

Why does this name sound so familiar?

Thinking back to what he had just said about photography, he suddenly slapped his forehead, realizing...

"Xu Lang? You're the champion who left early during last night's Super Girl finals?"