Chapter 8 Go to China Film Academy
Chapter 8 Go to China Film Academy
"I know you must be worried about the review issue. Actually, I have an idea in mind, which is to try to make it a thriller instead of a horror movie, avoiding those violent and bloody scenes. But I'm not sure whether it will work, so I want you to help check it."
Zhang Chen flattered Teacher Fu again, and Teacher Fu was very pleased.
At this time, a teacher nearby said, "Zhang Chen, what are your plans for the filming of the movie?"
They are all insiders and can tell whether a script is good or not at a glance.
Zhang Chen's script is of absolutely high quality. It would be a shame if it was filmed carelessly, so everyone wants to hear Zhang Chen's thoughts.
Zhang Chen was just thinking about how to start the conversation. He was so sleepy that he handed over a pillow, so he said, "I plan to recruit all the cast and crew from our school, which can save a lot of money. However, I don't know many people..."
"That's no problem. The teachers in the acting department will definitely be willing to help. I'll let the other departments know when the time comes."
Teacher Fu took on the responsibility, and the teachers from the performance department nodded when they saw this.
Of course, the Beijing Film Academy has to show its support for its own students making movies, not to mention that it also provides them with internship opportunities, which is essentially a mutually beneficial thing.
"I plan to use the studio of our Qingying Studio as the venue..."
"All set shots?" asked another acting teacher.
"Yes, if it is a real scene, the cost will be too high."
Teacher Fu thought for a moment and said, "Sure, I'll help you coordinate. The price should be favorable, and I can also introduce you to the prop factory that we often cooperate with."
Hearing this, Zhang Chen was overjoyed. Renting a photo studio was the most uncertain point. Now that Teacher Fu agreed to help, there should be no problem.
Zhang Chen continued to make a wish: "I want to borrow the school's equipment..."
"I'm afraid that won't work," Teacher Fu rejected him without hesitation this time. "The equipment in the department is too old. It's OK for teaching, but not for filming. You can't mess around with the equipment. I suggest you rent one from Qingying Studio. I'll help you negotiate."
"it is good."
Zhang Chen originally wanted to get a bargain, but since that didn't work, forget it.
Moreover, what Teacher Fu said is right. When it comes to equipment, you really get what you pay for.
"If that's the case, I think about 200 million is enough to make this movie."
Zhang Chen gave the final budget. The other teachers secretly estimated it in their minds and felt that it was roughly the same. They looked up to Zhang Chen even more.
"Old Fu, you have a good student."
The teachers in the Department of Performance were very generous in their praise. For a sophomore, his cost estimation was almost as good as that of the veterans, which was quite a feat.
Teacher Fu also nodded repeatedly beside him, feeling quite proud.
In his opinion, it was a wise choice for his students to keep the budget within two million.
It is generally recognized in the industry that it is easiest to recover costs for movies with a budget of less than 200 million yuan.
As long as the movies are not too bad, they can usually be sold to movie channels for 7 to 80 yuan. Add to that the income from box office share and DVD copyright, and it is usually not a problem to make a profit.
For a student's first film, not losing money can actually be considered a success.
"As for the review, I think your idea should be feasible. The school can help put a word in, and there shouldn't be any problem~"
Film censorship in China is a mystery. There is no hard and fast basis for what can pass and what cannot.
After all, Beijing Film Academy is a mountain top. As long as it does not cross the red line, there is still room for operation.
Zhang Chen was overjoyed when he heard that the school was willing to help.
The success of this film has been verified by later generations. He is not worried about the commercial performance at all. The only uncertainty is whether it can pass the review. Now with the endorsement of the school, the problem of passing the review has been solved. How can he not be happy?
"How big is the funding gap?" "Well, the investment is just an intention at the moment..."
Intention means no intention. This is industry jargon and everyone understands it.
When Zhang Chen came back, he had an extra card with him, which contained 10 yuan given by his parents.
My family is not wealthy, and 10 is their limit.
But it is just a drop in the bucket for the movie.
The filming cost of "Dark Invasion" should not reach 200 million, and this is because of the extensive use of school resources. Otherwise, the cost would probably be almost doubled.
After thinking for a moment, Teacher Fu shook his head helplessly and said, "I'm afraid the school can't give you much help in attracting investment. You have to figure it out on your own.
China Film Group provides support funds for young directors every year, but it is difficult to apply. I can help you make a phone call to arrange a meeting, but the final result depends on your luck.
After thinking for a long time, Teacher Fu gave a solution that was not a solution.
For most directors, attracting investment is the most difficult part of the entire film project.
If he could easily raise 200 million in investment, he would have gone off to make his own movies long ago. Why would he stay here as a teacher?
"Thank you then."
Zhang Chen originally had no hope that the school could solve the investment issue, as he had his own plans. However, the support funds from China Film Group Corporation was a way out after all, so he could give it a try, just in case it worked.
"Of course. The school has always been encouraging students with ideas."
After leaving Teacher Fu’s office, Zhang Chen and Cao Bingkun walked on the street of Beijing Film Academy.
The day after tomorrow is the official start of school, and some students have already returned to school today.
Beijing Film Academy is indeed a famous art school. There is no shortage of handsome men and beautiful women on campus, and you can meet some familiar faces from time to time. They are all new film and television talents who have already made their mark on the screen.
Towards evening, Zhang Chen received a call from Teacher Fu, who said that he had already agreed with Director Zhang, the head of the relevant department of China Film Group, that Zhang Chen could go there directly tomorrow morning.
The next morning, Zhang Chen arrived as promised.
He had not originally planned to bring Cao Bingkun with him this time, intending to go to the meeting alone, but Old Cao insisted on coming along, so Zhang Chen had no choice but to let him wait downstairs.
After explaining his purpose to the front desk, he was led to a reception room, served tea, and then there was a long wait.
About half an hour later, Zhang Chen had drunk all the water, and Director Zhang finally arrived.
"Sorry, sorry, I was delayed by something. Please bear with me~"
Director Zhang is a middle-aged man in his forties, fat, with a polite smile on his face. He apologized as soon as he entered the door and spoke very politely.
Zhang Chen naturally said it was okay.
"Professor Fu said that one of his students wrote a script and wants to apply for funding. Can I take a look at it first..."
"of course."
Zhang Chen handed the script and the storyboard to the other party, who took it and flipped through it quickly.
The reception room fell silent, with only the sound of pages being turned.
Director Zhang flipped through the script very quickly and finished it in a short time. He looked at the storyboard a few more times and there was a hint of surprise in his eyes, but it was only a flash.
The other party did not speak immediately, and seemed to be organizing his words. After a while, he finally said, "You are Director Fu's student, so we are family. I will tell you the truth."
(End of this chapter)