Chapter 416 The male lead of “Operation Red Sea” is confirmed, Director Zhou is truly worthy of the
"Director Zhou."
"Director La, Mr. Ye, Mr. Wang, and Director Zhao, please come in."
In late March, several producers including China Film, Wanda, and Fiber Optic gathered at Zhouqing Pictures.
Of course, the heavyweight "client" Naval Political Department Television Art Center is also indispensable.
This is an agent of the Navy.
Although for several other old partners this was just a sudden swoop to share the cake, no one was unhappy at all.
On the contrary, everyone was very polite and enthusiastic towards Director Zhao.
Firstly, he has a strong background and we really can’t afford to offend him.
Secondly, everyone is not a fool and knows what kind of movie Zhou Qing is shooting.
Having the Naval Political Department Art Center is like having a talisman, safe and secure!
"Military war theme, Director Zhou is trying a new genre this time."
While chatting and laughing, Wanda Ye Ning uttered such an exclamation.
His words showed his admiration and respect for Zhou Qing without any concealment.
It is no exaggeration to say that he is the number one director in China Entertainment.
Generally speaking, the genres that a director is good at are extremely limited, and he can only shoot a few types or even a single type of film.
Once you change the track, you will immediately lose control.
But what about Director Zhou?
How many films of different types has he made since his debut?
Director Zhou has basically shot all the mainstream film genres on the market!
The key is that he can switch between different types at will. No matter what the subject matter is, as long as Director Zhou shoots it, it will definitely be a masterpiece.
Just like the famous Ridley Scott, he is known as the king of genre films.
I really can't help but accept it.
If Mr. Ridley is called Thor by fans, then Director Zhou is the well-deserved God Zhou!
Frankly speaking, the film "Operation Red Sea" that Zhou Qing is about to shoot now does not have that much market potential from a commercial perspective.
After all, the main theme has never received a good response from the market, and people generally don’t buy into it.
Plus, there’s no serious heroine, no love line, just a bunch of men fighting each other.
For example, Lin Chaoxian just finished filming "Operation Mekong".
The industry generally has a very negative view of it.
If "Operation Red Sea" had not been directed by Zhou Qing, no one would have had the confidence to invest in it.
But since it was shot by Director Zhou, it is naturally completely different.
If everyone has no questions, just follow it.
You have to know that Director Zhou has made controversial films before, such as the science fiction film "Source Code".
To be honest, science fiction films are much less popular in Chinese entertainment than mainstream blockbusters.
Another example is "The Monkey King: Hero is Back" produced by Zhou Qing Pictures a while ago, which is an animated film in which whoever makes it will die.
There had never been any precedent of profitability before Director Zhou.
There are countless people in the entire circle waiting to see Director Zhou make a fool of himself and to see him fail.
But what's the result?
Director Zhou crushed all doubts with his own strength!
So what does a main theme blockbuster count for?
“That’s part of the fun of being a director, isn’t it?”
Zhou Qing shrugged and smiled lightly at Ye Ning.
"Only Director Zhou has the confidence to say such things."
Wang Changtian immediately laughed and echoed, and laughter also rang out around him.
The atmosphere at the scene was so warm and joyful.
After some friendly small talk, everyone naturally got down to business.
"The total budget for Operation Red Sea is 5 million yuan. As usual, Zhou Qing Pictures will keep 50% of the share."
Zhou Qing spoke seriously to several producers.
This has always been Zhou Qing's habit. We have been working together for so long, and Zhou Qing Pictures has always held 50%.
Even though there is one more co-producer this time, the Naval Political Department Art Center, nothing has changed.
Although China Film Group and Wanda Film felt that the share was not enough, they did not say much.
What they value is the long-term cooperation with Zhou Qing, not the present.
The same is true for Director Zhao of the Naval Political Department Art Center.
The Navy's involvement this time is not for the purpose of making money.
So the subsequent sharing of the cake was quite pleasant.
After some discussion, several parties finally reached an agreement: China Film Group and Naval Political Department Art each accounted for 15%, while Wanda and Fiber Optic each accounted for 10%.
It is also worth mentioning that the procedures at the Film Bureau have been completed, and "Operation Red Sea" has officially completed the project establishment and filing.
After the cake was divided this time, Zhou Qing had no time to procrastinate.
All preparatory work for "Operation Red Sea" was immediately launched.
"Director Zhou Qing's new film was released. The main theme movie "Operation Red Sea" was adapted from a real evacuation incident."
"Zhou Qing Pictures once again releases a new film, "Operation Red Sea," written and directed by Director Zhou Qing."
"Director Zhou Qing is confirmed to direct Operation Red Sea. This is the first time that Director Zhou has directed a mainstream blockbuster."
Not surprisingly, the "Operation Red Sea" project was exposed as soon as possible.
The whole circle immediately became extremely lively.
Director Zhou is about to release a new film!
Given Zhou Qing's current status in the industry and his huge number of fans, everyone is naturally very interested in Zhou Qing's new film.
Everyone is looking forward to it.
After all, the films Zhou Qing has made since his debut have never disappointed anyone.
Is it more than just talk that "Director Zhou's products must be top-notch?"
But, is Director Zhou going to start making mainstream blockbusters this time?
Regarding this point, netizens from all walks of life began to discuss it fiercely.
Some people think that main-theme movies are not interesting, and even Director Zhou cannot arouse their interest.
It’s not that Director Zhou can’t make mainstream blockbusters, but the subject matter of mainstream blockbusters is just like that. No matter how well it is made, it’s not worth going to the cinema.
But more people still have great expectations for it.
Main-theme blockbusters are indeed never good to watch, but those directed by Director Zhou are a different story.
What's more, not all mainstream blockbusters are dull. Xu Ke's "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy" was very well filmed, wasn't it?
Even Xu Ke can make a good mainstream blockbuster, let alone Director Zhou.
Director Zhou’s level is much higher than Xu Ke’s, right?
Overall, although there are certain controversies, "Operation Red Sea" has basically ignited the enthusiasm of the audience.
And what about the actors in the circle?
There will be no controversy.
Everyone's attitude was highly consistent, and they were all drooling like hungry wolves seeing delicious meat.
Regardless of whether it is a mainstream blockbuster or not, it is mainly a movie directed by Director Zhou, and it is the top film project in the industry.
Not to mention, many people in the circle have inquired about it. The investment in "Operation Red Sea" is as high as 5 million!
A truly super production.
This is a 5 million RMB production directed by Director Zhou. Oh my god, if you miss it, you will really regret it. For a movie of this level, even if you only play a small supporting role, it is worth it.
"Director Zhou."
"Director Zhou."
All of a sudden, countless people began to contact Zhou Qing and Zhou Qing Pictures.
Zhou Qing’s personal phone and company phone were about to be blown up by calls.
I don’t know how many people are jumping up and down, wanting to get a piece of the pie in “Operation Red Sea”.
It’s a pity that Zhou Qing had already chosen the actor for “Operation Red Sea”.
First of all, the male lead is Zhu Yawen, needless to say.
So what about the others besides Zhu Yawen?
Zhou Qing said that we just need to follow the map.
Firstly, the performances of several main actors in the original "Operation Red Sea" were not bad, so even if Zhou Qing was to shoot it, it would still meet the requirements.
In this case, there is no need for Zhou Qing to change actors again.
Secondly, of course, it is to save time.
You know, it’s already late March and time is really tight.
Because Zhou Qing planned to send "Operation Red Sea" to this year's Lunar New Year holiday.
In other words, it will only take eight or nine months for "Operation Red Sea" to be completed.
During these eight or nine months, Zhou Qing had to complete the early preparations, the formal shooting and the post-production work.
But the scale of "Operation Red Sea" is not small.
According to Zhou Qing's estimation, even at the fastest speed, it would take four months to shoot.
The later stage will take two to three months, and that's while keeping the strings very tight.
In other words, the preliminary preparation time is only one or two months.
Not to mention the various miscellaneous things that happened during this period, the most important thing is that the protagonists have to undergo military training.
This kind of training is extremely necessary. How can you play the role of a soldier well without training?
According to Zhou Qing's plan, this kind of military training should last for one month at best!
Even if he couldn't achieve it, he would try to train for longer. Zhou Qing didn't want the film to be humiliating to the image of a soldier.
In this case, how would Zhou Qing have the time to slowly audition and select actors?
Copying homework is the most efficient and fastest option.
"Old Zhu, I plan to let you play the leading role in Operation Red Sea."
Zhou Qing immediately called Zhu Yawen over and told him the news.
"Did you finally think of me, Aoko? It's been a long time since we made a movie together."
Zhu Yawen agreed without thinking and was extremely excited.
Although Zhu Yawen also had some doubts about the main theme, thinking that even if Qingzi's movies were all big hits, it would not be a big hit to shoot a main theme, he still readily agreed.
This is his trust and support for Zhou Qing.
"This time I'll let you take as many photos as you want."
Zhou Qing smiled and said, "Operation Red Sea" would definitely leave a deep impression on Zhu Yawen.
Not only is the shooting period long, but the shooting conditions are also relatively difficult.
Coupled with the military training before filming, the actors still had to endure some hardships.
But Zhou Qing believed that this would not be a problem for Zhu Yawen.
You should know that Zhu Yawen is actually very dedicated when filming.
He said that when he was filming "Crossing the Guandong", he suffered a lot but never frowned.
Although he has become a big star now, he is not like some people who become arrogant after becoming famous.
"Get ready. I will arrange military training for you immediately."
Zhou Qing then said to Zhu Yawen seriously, "Not only that, but you also have to thoroughly understand the script during this period, is that okay?"
"Who are you looking down on?"
Zhu Yawen curled his lips. He felt that Zhou Qing looked down upon him.
Isn’t it just military training? What’s the big deal?
Just come!
Then Zhou Qing had no reason to be polite to Zhu Yawen, and he arranged for Zhu Yawen to go for training.
"Xiao Liu, send out audition invitations according to this list."
As for the other actors, Zhou Qing did not waste time and started moving forward immediately.
Of course, it’s mainly the protagonists, that is, the members of Operation Jiaolong, as well as the female reporter, the captain and other main characters.
As for the numerous other insignificant minor characters, Zhou Qing didn't need to personally take care of them.
Just leave it all to the casting director.
As the chief director, Zhou Qing also needs to keep an eye on other production work.
Frankly speaking, a film of the size of "Operation Red Sea" not only has a long shooting period, but also a long preparation period.
If I didn't have the advantage of foresight, it would have been impossible to complete it within one or two months.
Even so, it is still a challenge for Zhou Qing and it keeps him busy.
If you think about it, the preparations for "Operation Red Sea" actually started long before the project was launched.
According to Zhou Qing's plan, he has to complete all the preparatory work before May.
Because Zhou Qing plans to start filming in May.
Otherwise I'm afraid it might be too late.
Who told Zhou Qing to plan to appear in this year's Lunar New Year movie?
So, time is tight and the task is heavy, and Zhou Qing dare not relax at all.
"Hello, Director Zhou."
"Hello, Director Tang."
Because the film "Operation Red Sea" is quite special, in addition to a regular production director, Zhou Qing also specially invited a producer from the Naval Political Department Art Center.
Tang Jing.
This person is actually the original producer of "Operation Red Sea".
Responsible for all matters involving the Navy during the production of "Operation Red Sea" and various related coordination work.
Unlike Wang Qiang, the military producer who was only responsible for coordinating weapons and equipment, Tang Jing was responsible for all miscellaneous matters.
"Our Naval Political Department Television Art Center has only produced TV dramas before, and never produced movies. This is the first time."
"I hope Director Zhou can give me more advice."
Tang Jing was also quite polite towards Zhou Qing.
She was very clear about the importance that her superiors attached to this movie, and she was even more aware of the importance that her superiors attached to Zhou Qing.
In the opinion of the leaders above, Zhou Qing is the only director who can make a good film of "Operation Red Sea".
"Director Tang, you are too polite. Our task is very heavy. I will have to thank you for your hard work in the future."
Zhou Qing also politely shook hands with Tang Jing.
"It's not hard, this is what we should do."
Tang Jing also quickly expressed his attitude.
Of course, it was not just talk. Tang Jing also showed his strong support for Zhou Qing through his actual actions.
For example, one of the important filming locations of "Operation Red Sea" is the Shili Naval Port in Shenjiang.
That is the base camp of the Nanhai Fleet. It goes without saying how important it is.
But when Zhou Qing brought it up, Tang Jing coordinated it immediately.
There are also a variety of other messy things, which are being advanced in an orderly and rapid manner thanks to the efforts of Tang Jing and others. (End of this chapter)