Chapter 244: The huge pit dug by Han Sanping, will Director Zhou's reputation be in jeopardy?
So what about other people besides Duan Yihong?
Are there any other more suitable candidates?
There really are two.
Both are rare tough guy actors in the entertainment industry: Hu Jun and Zhang Hanyu.
It is quite convincing to say that these two were captains from the Air Force.
The only drawback is that both of them are a little old.
What Hu Jun said is easy to say, as he is 40 years old this year, but Zhang Hanyu is 45 years old.
It’s not that there’s anything wrong with Zhang Hanyu’s acting, the key is that he’s not easy to match with the actress.
After all, how old would an actress be to be in a relationship with a 45-year-old captain?
Of course, 45 is Zhang Hanyu’s real age, not his visual age.
It shouldn't be a big problem for Zhang Hanyu to play a role that is a few years younger than his actual age.
Therefore, Zhou Qing did not exclude Zhang Hanyu for the time being, but planned to let Zhang Hanyu come for an audition.
Hu Jun actually has the same problem, but he is much more optimistic than Zhang Hanyu.
It wouldn't be out of place for him to play a 30-year-old character.
So what about Duan Yihong?
Now that I'm only 35, it's even less likely that there will be any problems.
This is also the important reason why Zhou Qing considers Duan Yihong as the first candidate.
"So what about the male lead?"
Liu Yifei's voice rang in his ears, interrupting Zhou Qing's thoughts.
Zhou Qing told Liu Yifei his idea.
"Duan Yihong and Hu Jun are both good. They can do both."
Liu Yifei agreed with this and was more inclined towards Duan Yihong and Hu Jun.
The main reason is that these two people have worked with Liu Yifei before, but as for Zhang Hanyu, Liu Yifei is really not familiar with him.
"Let's audition then."
Zhou Qing echoed casually.
"What about the role of this female officer?"
Liu Yifei asked about another important role again.
There are only three important characters in the entire movie "Source Code".
There is the male and female protagonists, and in addition there is the female officer in charge of the source code project.
This person is about 30 or 40 years old, and his temperament is worthy of a military uniform.
Anyway, Liu Yifei can’t think of a suitable actor for the time being.
However, as for Zhou Qing, he also has a candidate in mind.
The first one is Xu Qing, who I almost worked with before.
When filming "Now You See Me", Zhou Qing asked Xu Qing to come for an audition, but he was indeed a bit old at that time.
But if it is put in "Source Code", it would be just right.
The second one is Yu Nan.
Yu Nan was born in 76, is 32 years old this year, and is a serious student of Beijing Film Academy.
Although she has not produced many works since her debut, she has won the Golden Rooster Award for Best Actress and the Golden Bear Award for her starring role in "Tuya's Marriage".
There is not a single problem with the acting.
"Xiao Liu."
After making the decision, Zhou Qing called his assistant over.
Instruct the other party to send audition invitations to the corresponding personnel.
As for Hu Jun and Duan Yihong, with whom he had worked before, Zhou Qing personally called them because they were familiar with each other.
When the two heard that Zhou Qing was going to ask them to audition for the male lead, they were excited.
They were eager to arrange a specific audition time with Zhou Qing.
Of course, people like Zhang Hanyu and others who received audition invitations from Zhou Qing had the same reaction.
No one can remain calm.
"Director Zhou."
"Producer Hu."
The producer was also called over by Zhou Qing immediately.
The two sides communicated in detail on a series of preparatory issues for "Source Code".
With the start of casting, the film project "Source Code" has begun to move forward in earnest.
"Student Zhou Qing."
"Teacher Wang!"
After two days of busy work, the class teacher Wang Jinsong appeared in Zhou Qing's studio.
After all, they had been teacher and student for many years, so Zhou Qing naturally did not dare to neglect him and treated Wang Jinsong well.
The two of them chatted and laughed in the reception room, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.
"Teacher Wang, are you planning to perform "The Labyrinth of the Heart"?"
The two sides chatted for a while, and Zhou Qing smiled at Wang Jinsong.
It seems that in the end, Wang Jinsong still couldn't resist the temptation of the script of "The Labyrinth of the Heart".
"If I miss such a good book, I won't be able to sleep at night."
Wang Jinsong also laughed.
The reason he came to Zhou Qing this time was actually to look for Lu Yang, and visiting Zhou Qing was just a coincidence.
But it’s a pity for Wang Jinsong. It would have been much better if such a good script was directed by Zhou Qing.
After all, he still had some doubts about Lu Yang's ability, after all, the other party had never directed a feature film before.
But Wang Jinsong also understood that with Zhou Qing's current level, it would be unlikely for him to direct such a low-budget movie.
I just hope Lu Yang is really capable and can make this script a good one.
"I heard that your graduation project is going to be a science fiction film?"
During the period, Wang Jinsong also specifically asked about Zhou Qing's new film.
This left Zhou Qing speechless.
It's only been a few days and even Wang Jinsong knows about it?
This news spread too quickly.
"No one is making science fiction films, so I'll give it a try."
Zhou Qing spread his hands.
"You, only you have the confidence to say such things."
Wang Jinsong pointed at Zhou Qing, shook his head and sighed.
If anyone else said something like this, they would definitely be scolded.
"Director Zhou, the casting for Labyrinth of the Heart has been completed."
After Wang Jinsong was confirmed, Lu Yang auditioned a few more supporting roles, and the complete list of cast members was released.
Zhou Qing browsed through it casually.
I found that apart from Huang Bo, Wang Jinsong and Zhou Yiwei, I didn't recognize the others.
However, Zhou Qing did not pay too much attention to it, let alone interfere.
He still has this basic trust in Lu Yang.
"How is the preparation going? When will the filming start?"
Zhou Qing didn't say much, just asked something else casually.
"The preparations are almost done. I plan to start filming on the 1st of next month."
Lu Yang expressed his plan.
Zhou Qing nodded, knowing what was going on, but also didn't say anything more.
"A new film is coming out so soon? That's right, young people should have this kind of enthusiasm!"
Han Sanping's nose is always so sensitive that he could smell the scent before the registration was approved.
"I was forced to take this job, Mr. Han. I wanted to use Whiplash as my graduation project, but the teacher disagreed, so I had to shoot another one."
Zhou Qing complained to Han Sanping with a smile.
Han Sanping suddenly realized.
No wonder Zhou Qing started the film so hastily this time. It turns out there is such a reason behind it.
But I have to say, it’s better to disagree! Young people just need some encouragement.
"Then will you be able to make it in time? Science fiction blockbusters always have a long production cycle."
Han Sanping then expressed some doubts.
San Ye could only see simple filing information and had the same fixed mindset as most people.
Subconsciously, I think science fiction films are visual effects blockbusters.
It is almost impossible for a film like this to be released in May or June next year.
"It's true that it's a science fiction film, but I never said it was a blockbuster."
Zhou Qing smiled, and then gave Han Sanping a brief introduction to the "Source Code".
This made boss Han Sanping very disappointed.
Well, he thought Zhou Qing was going to make another blockbuster.
Before coming, Han Sanping was ready to do something big.
I didn't expect it to be completely different from what I imagined.
It's a science fiction movie, but it's low-budget.
"Then I'll wait and see what your soft science fiction movie is like."
However, even though he was complaining in his heart, Han Sanping was still full of expectations for Zhou Qing's new film.
Low-cost science fiction, no one in China has ever filmed it before, right?
Let’s see what Director Zhou can come up with.
After some small talk, the two sides got down to business and finalized the cooperation.
It’s still the same as before, Zhou Qing Studio owns 65%, China Film Group owns 35%, and publicity and promotion are also included.
Both parties are old partners and the whole process was very pleasant.
"By the way, Director Zhou, I have a very good movie project here. It has a high probability of being a hit. Would you like to invest in some of it?"
What Zhou Qing didn't expect was that in addition to the matter of "Source Code", Han Sanping had other things to do.
His curiosity was aroused: "I wonder what kind of movie it is that Mr. Han thinks so highly of it?"
"The new film by Zhu Yanping, the director of Slam Dunk, Thorn Mausoleum, is starred by Jay Chou again, and the leading actress is Lin Chi-ling, who became famous through Red Cliff..."
Han Sanping introduced it to Zhou Qing with great interest.
In San Ye’s opinion, this movie is bound to be a hit.
After all, the leading actor is Jay Chou!
Jay Chou has starred in so many movies since his debut, and none of them had bad box office results.
Especially Zhu Yanping + Jay Chou's "Slam Dunk", the box office has exceeded 100 million.
The two of them are working together again this time, and it is sure to be another hit.
According to Han Sanping, it is an absolutely high-quality film project.
The reason why Zhou Qing was brought on board was simply to return a favor.
After all, China Film Group did make a lot of money with Zhou Qing, so they should give back when the time is right, right?
"The Thorn Mausoleum?"
Little did they know that although Zhou Qing appeared calm on the surface, he couldn't help but complain crazily in his heart.
This movie is a huge pit!
That’s right, Zhu Yanping + Jay Chou’s “Slam Dunk” is a hit.
But the movie "刺陵" that these two continued to work on as a team was a complete flop!
With a cost of 1 million yuan, the producers expected the box office to exceed 2 million yuan, but in the end it only grossed a mere 6000 million yuan.
Fortunately, the film producer was unable to repay the bank loan, and his house was forcibly auctioned off!
What's even more terrible?
Although "Slam Dunk" is bad, it still has a score of 5.6, which is considered a normal bad movie.
But the rating of "刺陵" is only a shocking 3.9 points, less than 4 points, which is appallingly bad.
Zhou Qing knew that Han Sanping had good intentions, but if he invested in a movie like this, it would truly ruin his reputation.
"Boss Han, I appreciate your kindness, but unfortunately I'm afraid I don't have this blessing. I've invested too much in movies recently, and my family's savings have been emptied."
Zhou Qing could only find an excuse and politely reject Han Sanping.
It's a pity for Han Sanping.
In his opinion, "刺陵" is sure to be a hit.
It would be a shame to miss it.
"Okay then, I'll call you next time there's a good project."
Han Sanping had no choice but to give up.
"Director Zhou."
"Brother Duan!"
Duan Yihong was the first to arrive for the audition.
After all, Zhou Qing had worked with him on "Now You See Me", so they were quite familiar with each other.
It was quite pleasant to meet and chat again.
"I heard that Senior Brother Duan just finished filming a TV series?"
Zhou Qing started the greeting very casually.
"My Captain, My Regiment, was completed in August."
Duan Yihong did not hide anything and told Zhou Qing the truth.
Duan Yihong was not surprised that Zhou Qing knew so much, after all, Wang Baoqiang had also been in contact with this drama.
After all, it was performed by the original crew of "Soldier Assault".
However, due to various reasons, Wang Baoqiang was ultimately unable to perform.
"With the team behind "Soldier Assault", this is sure to be a hit drama."
Zhou Qing sent his best wishes to Duan Yihong, even though he knew the ratings of the show were very poor.
But what can I say? Some works can stand the test of time.
As time goes by, "My Captain, My Regiment" will become a classic.
"Then let's borrow Director Zhou's good words."
Duan Yihong immediately agreed, he was also optimistic about this TV series.
And unlike "Soldier Assault", Duan Yihong is the leading actor in this "My Captain, My Regiment"!
"You open your eyes and suddenly you find yourself in an unfamiliar environment surrounded by unfamiliar people."
"Your mind is a mess and you have no idea what's going on."
"I don't know why I'm there, what time it is, or what happened."
After a brief greeting, Zhou Qing asked Duan Yihong to perform a scene.
It’s the scene at the beginning of the movie “Source Code” where the male protagonist “wakes up”.
"Director Zhou, I'll start then."
Duan Yihong planned for a while and then started his performance in front of Zhou Qing.
The expression on his face instantly turned into confusion, and then he looked around instinctively, his eyes full of thought.
He seemed to be trying to figure out what was going on, but he found himself becoming more and more confused.
I can only say that Duan Yihong is a worthy actor with excellent acting skills as he graduated from the Central Academy of Drama. There is absolutely no flaw in his performance.
In addition, the age was relatively suitable, so Zhou Qing secretly made a decision in his heart.
If Hu Jun and Zhang Hanyu's performances are not better than Duan Yihong, then Duan Yihong will be chosen as the male lead.
"Director Zhou, it's an honor to receive your audition invitation."
The second person who came for the audition was Yu Nan, who also graduated from Beijing Film Academy.
"We are all from Beijing Film Academy, so you don't have to be polite, Sister Yu."
Zhou Qing smiled and waved to Yu Nan.
I have to say that the bond between alumni is sometimes really useful.
Although it was the first time for both parties to deal with each other, the atmosphere was quite good because of their status as alumni.
"Speaking of which, the last time I went back to Beijing Film Academy, I saw you, Director Zhou, on the wall of honor."
Yu Nan smiled, with admiration in his eyes, "Too conspicuous, there's no such thing as a young person."
"If I had known my photo would be on the wall of honor, I would have taken a better one."
Zhou Qing also laughed along.
Laughter broke out from time to time at the scene. (End of this chapter)