China Entertainment: Director’s happiness is so simple

The project has finally been basically finalized, and Lu Ping An’s biggest task next is to complete the movie.

Making movies yourself and bringing in investors are not the same concept.

According to Lu Ping'an's original estimate, 5 million is definitely enough.

Why, because he doesn’t need to bring in external funds, he can do his own work behind closed doors, his own director’s salary doesn’t need to be calculated, and props, scenery, etc. can also be solved with more green screens.

The "X" special effects can be completely fake and look real. Not to mention trains, exteriors, trees, railway tracks, even entire cities, extra actors, and other things that can be seen on the big screen can all be solved for you, and it will never be seen as fake. of.

Can't find the train? Expensive to build? Fixed landscaping is used inside and special effects are used outside!

There is special effects software available, so you don’t need to explain to others what is reasonable or not. You can just quote a higher price in the end.

But now that external investors have been introduced, this cannot be done.

Producers from all parties have sent supervisors, so you have to do it "reasonably".

As a result, the production cost of external reports is naturally much higher than that of working alone.

First of all, he used Xiang Guoqiang's foreshadowing in Lao America.

Two special effects artists from the old American AKS (transliteration of AKS) special effects company came to the capital. They will then work with 16 special effects artists from mainland AKS to assist in the filming of the film.

In terms of special effects, the work in framing and photography is the same, and the same goes for Lu Ping An, who has the "X" software. The only difference is in post-production, so the foreground scenery and related photography are done by foreigners, who are professional and trouble-free, and can also "tell lies" , after all, they are indeed serious professionals, and the large lenses will eventually be sent to the AKS headquarters in the United States for production.

Secondly, in terms of photography, "Source Code" will use digital film technology.

This technology already exists in China, and China Film will release the first digital version of its film "Heavenly Grassland" after theater approval in June.

There are not many digital cinemas in China now, but there will be more and more in the future. When "Source Code" is released, the cost of copying will be greatly reduced.

As a result, the requirements for photographers will be relatively high, so old partner Ning Hao will not be the main photographer this time, and he also needs to learn.

The main photographers are several teachers sent by China Film Group. They came back from the United States to study, and they are proficient in operating new equipment, and they can also cooperate better with the two special effects artists.

Of course, the price will also go up, but at least the remuneration will have to be paid.

In addition, in terms of props and scenery, many unexpected problems were encountered during the actual preparation process.

For example, in terms of prop production, because "Source Code" is set in the future, the related electronic equipment and instruments must have a futuristic feel.

It is more difficult for others to achieve a "futuristic sense", but it is naturally not a problem for Lu Ping An, just copy it. But there are difficulties in copying it, that is how to make it.

The prop team encountered this problem during the preparation stage.

For example, the very simple transparent combination lock with an LED light in the original film looks ordinary from the perspective of more than ten years later, and it is simple to make. After all, the manufacturing industry was so strong at that time.

But things are different now. There are not many factories that can take orders, and the production is not fast and the price is not cheap.

The rest of the props in the film, a total of more than 20 types of items, all have similar problems, unless Ping An lowers its standards.

The same goes for the setting. The main scene in "Source Code" is a double-decker train carriage. There are very few in China, but it is not impossible.

China Film Group helped make contacts and obtained a train of free carriages as a sponsor and then renovated it, but even so, it would actually cost a lot of money.

In the end, Lu Ping An still created fixed interior scenes. Just like the original plan, special effects were used for the scenery outside the car windows. This is the same as the original film. In this way, the actual production cost was reduced, and special effects money could be earned. As for that, If you don't have a train, you can only make exterior modifications, so you spend some money.

There are also stations. The platforms in "A World Without Thieves" were temporarily arranged, and the same is true for "Source Code" this time. China Film contacted an old station, and it cost a lot of money to decorate and renovate it.

So far, the actual preparations for "Source Code" have been carried out, and all kinds of money that was invisible at the beginning have been flowing out. The production cost has been much more than originally estimated. Probably from the beginning, I only worked alone. The demand was within 5 million, and it has increased to about 10 million now.

And this does not include Lu Ping'an's own and Guorong's salary, so the external report will be even more expensive. Add in the salary and miscellaneous items of other staff and future actors, and it will cost another 3 million!

As a result, excluding special effects, the production cost is close to 20 million.

Are the special effects good enough?

Of course.

I originally planned to get you at least 15 million, how can I discount it?

Otherwise, why go to all this trouble?

So the project went over budget!

So the overspending clause kicks in!

Either add more advertising, or let the producer make up the funds required for the share.

If the overspending clause is not implemented, will all investment be withdrawn?

That’s good, although I will lose a lot of exchanged resources, I can still do the project, add Guorong, it’s just a tens of millions level.

As a result, when Han Sanpin found out that he would overspend by millions, he laughed and said to Lu Ping'an, "You are getting closer to the great director!"

"Lao Mouzi, Feng Dapao, the great poet, Jiang Wen, and various well-known directors from the older generation, which one has never exceeded their budget?"

After Lu Pingping heard this, he actually thought it made sense!

Of course, whether the budget is exceeded or not is actually secondary. The important thing is that through this operation, Lu Ping An has gathered more behind-the-scenes talents, involved more industries, and reached cooperation with more industry players.

In later words, Xingchen's own most basic film industry system has begun to take shape.

. . . . . . .

Project preparations are proceeding in an orderly manner, and the brokerage circle has also begun taking action.

Lu Ping'an's third feature film, with an investment of 30 million, starring Guorong as the male protagonist, and his second domestic blockbuster.

This kind of resource is a huge asset for any actor!

Sister Hua and other agents called her repeatedly, asking if there was any chance.

Lu Ping'an told them not to rush, there is a chance, but it may not be a big one.

Gao Yuanyuan said it was a pity that she was already joining the cast of "The Sky" and said she would have to be a guest star in the next film.

Last time I talked about starring, this time I talked about guest appearance. Unknowingly, Lu Pingan's status has begun to make her unattainable.

Liu Qianqian also asked on QQ. She was very honest and said that her mother asked her to ask if there was a chance to see if she could at least get a role that was not important and could show her face.

Honest girls deserve praise.

Lu Ping'an replied: Acting well and strengthening yourself are the most important. We will have the opportunity to work together again in the future.

In fact, he doesn't object to the main character exchanging favors with outside actors.

But for this casting, he wanted to use a more "scientific" casting method to confirm it first.

There were still 9 days until the official start of filming, so Lu Pingan opened the simulator again while going to the toilet.

As for the simulator, this is the first time he has used it.

A large-scale production worth tens of millions is not the small-budget short film or movie of the past. It really deserves to be treated seriously.

"Open the simulator and enter the "Source Code" script."

[The simulator is ready, do you want to enter: Yes/No]

"yes!"

Brush~

Heaven and earth rotate.

When he opened his eyes again, Lu Pingan saw a familiar scene.

Several scene entrances to the script world of "Source Code" appeared in front of me.

There are carriages, stations, research institutes, etc.

Every scene is the same as it will be used in future shoots.

The props, outdoor locations, etc. in the scene will also be the same as in the current preparation stage.

For example, the "carriage" is still being renovated and is expected to be completed around mid-May, so what appears in the scene is also in a rough state.

In the real world, the project will first shoot the completed "research institute" scene, and then move to the "car", with just enough time.

But now it’s a simulated world, so Lu Ping’an can also choose whether to complete it or not. It only takes a second, and then decides whether to shoot the scene first.

"Choose a role. The male lead is Guorong. If the female lead is chosen, this time it will be Yu Feihong."

[Actor Yu Feihong has been selected. 】

"The second female lead uses Yan Danchen, the second male lead uses..."

Lu Ping'an selected a bunch of actors, filled in the script, and then gave the order: "Start the camera."

[The 17th pre-shooting has begun. 】

Different from the real world, there is no need to rest here, there is no NG, and all operational ideas can be used to complete everything, so the progress of the subsequent project progress is far faster than reality, and time flies in the small world.

40 hours later, Lu Ping An completed the pre-shooting.

"Finished!"

[The new film ratings are being calculated. . . 】

["Source Code 17", the restoration degree is 96%, the film simulation score is 8.7, the male and female protagonist adaptation score: 10.2 points, the individual actor scores: Guorong 10.3, Yu Feihong 10.2, Yan Danchen 9.1. . . 】

"sure!"

Lu Ping'an's eyes lit up.

8.7 points is the social score of the film simulated by Goldfinger, which is similar to the Douban score. This is a very high score.

This is also the highest score it has received so far, and seems to be even higher than the original film.

The restoration level did not change much after 16 times, so most of this should come from the bonus brought by the actors.

In terms of the actor's personal score, after 16 previous filmings, he already knows that Guorong's score is currently the most suitable for "Source Code", with 10.3 points. The basic score is 10.0 points for the protagonist of the original film, which means a degree of restoration of 100 % of the base score.

It is equivalent to keeping the rest of the film unchanged. As long as the protagonist is replaced by Guorong, Lu Ping'an can achieve "transcendence".

But obviously, it is not possible with Lu Ping An's current strength.

But it also gave him an idea.

That is, in the future, we will look for "beyond" castings, so "beyond" the original film will be twice the result with half the effort.

Of course, there is someone higher than him, Liu Qingyun can actually run 10.4 points, but Guorong has already signed a contract, it is difficult to change, and there is no need to change.

As for the female protagonist, the one with the highest score among the 16 times was Zu Xian, with a score of 10.3, and the rest were all below 9.5.

The male and female protagonists have high scores, and the compatibility scores are naturally high.

The old pairing of Guorong and Zuxian scored a high score of 10.3, and the highest score below them was only 9.4.

It's a pity that Zu Xian can't come.

As a result, Yu Feihong actually gave him a surprise now.

Personal 10.2, adapted to 10.2!

In fact, Lu Pingan had already realized this answer during the filming process.

The chemistry between the two sims is interesting.

That kind of collision in acting, eye contact, and the key is the matching in temperament. It is indeed more comfortable than the previous 15 times except for Zu Xian.

Looking at the results now, it’s really interesting!

Lu Ping'an immediately decided that Yu Feihong was the first choice for the heroine. If she didn't come or was not available, then he would choose the next one. Anyway, he had more than ten combinations.

As for why Yan Danchen is not used as the heroine?

Adaptation is one thing.

Her and Guorong's "male and female protagonist" compatibility score is only 8.6, which is very miserable.

Putting it into reality, there is a high probability that Yan Danchen will be considered to be the kind of person who is "strongly praised", which will have a counterproductive effect on Yan Danchen.

In addition, the most important thing is that men and women mainly kiss, and it is only twice. It cannot be changed. Once it is changed, the restoration level will plummet!

Of course, Lu Pingan would not let Yan Danchen act.

Even if Guorong's current orientation seems to be different from ordinary people, Lu Ping'an will not do this.

narrow? No artistry? Machismo?

Yes, that’s how I am, love as much as I want!

If Yan Danchen doesn't play the first female lead, then the second female lead. . . Lu Ping'an thought about it and put it in the second position.

9.1, which is really not high, ranking 12th among 17 actresses.

If Yu Nan, who is ranked first with 10.1 points, Long Xiaoyun in "Wolf Warrior" refuses, then Yan Danchen will come.

If people agree, then make up for it by having a female protagonist in the next film. Yan Danchen will understand.

After the casting was decided, Lu Ping'an ended the simulation: "Exit!"

[Whether to lock the pre-shooting result: Yes/No]

The simulator is bad at this point. Without locking it, you can only enter twice a day.

You can enter at any time after locking, but if the project is not started within a month, the rewards will be gone.

Lu Ping An decided to wait for the project to start shooting before locking it in. This was the safest way.

"no!"

Brush~

Heaven and earth rotate.

. . . . . . . .

Back to reality, after using the toilet.

Lu Ping'an then called the school's deputy secretary.

Yu Feihong also graduated from Nortel and worked as a teacher. Secretary Dong knew him well, so it would be best for him to take the initiative.

In addition, Lu Ping'an, the other character, is not going to be found outside.

At least most of them won’t be found outside.

You know, the story of "Source Code" is "8 minutes" repeated over and over again.

This will place high demands on any character appearing in the film.

So this time, Lu Pingan is going to find a bunch of actors with professional backgrounds to play supporting roles.

And where can you find so many professional actors?

Of course it's Nortel.

There are so many teachers and students, old, middle-aged and young men and women.

Find a school to take the lead. It will be professional, disciplined, and economical. It should not be too comfortable when shooting.

The same goes for the simulator display, with the overall score being the most balanced.

In this way, an easter egg will be generated, and all members of "Source Code" will star in the future!

And he is still a star who never collapses.

The most important thing is that with the big mountain of Nortel standing on his head, he will feel less pressure.

Lu Ping'an called Deputy Secretary Dong.

A few minutes later, Deputy Secretary Dong hung up the phone in the office, his face glowing red, and he praised: As expected of the son of a good friend, a tiger father has no dog son!

After praising it, he continued: It is indeed the pride of Nortel!

Then he started talking on the phone.

And within half an hour, the whole school knew.

Nortel will participate in the filming of Lu Ping An's "Source Code".

There are opportunities for all departments and grades.

Those with excellent grades in each grade will be given priority to register!

For a time, everyone from higher vocational colleges to undergraduates to graduate students was in a state of excitement.

On the other side, Yu Feihong received a call from Secretary Dong and couldn't believe it.

"Source Code", the most popular film at the moment, actually has my share? !

And compared to being invited to play a role, she is actually more interested in Lu Ping'an.

Because she has now bought the copyright of a novel and plans to become her own director in the future and make her first film.

As for Lu Ping'an, a talented director and alumnus, if she could have a chat and help her, she would naturally want it.

So she immediately put down several activities and went to Nortel.

Secretary Dong also contacted Yu Nan, but the result was unknown for the time being. Lu Pingan had no time to think about it for the time being. Now he was going to another place in the capital.

In the simulated pre-shooting, this person contributed a super high score of 10.6.

The most powerful of all the actors.

Although he was just a sidekick and accounted for a small proportion of the film's total score, Lu Ping An still locked onto him.

As for why this person is so strong, Lu Pingan has actually guessed it.

After all, this person is walking like a baby right now.

If there is a good opportunity, he might even grit his teeth and seize it.

Choose him, it’s just right!