I’m a Director, I’m Not Bad

In Xu Xin's mind, there are only two things to pay attention to when shooting advertisements.

One is that the story is stronger than the product, so the product is presented through the story.

The other way is when the product is stronger than the story, then use a visual experience that is more impressive to the audience to make the audience remember the product.

Although strictly speaking, he only filmed one commercial. Judging by the standards of the industry, a director who has only filmed one commercial may not even be considered a fart.

But... I can't stand his advertising fire.

In 2011, after the XC90 advertisement came out, according to data disclosed by Volvo online, both test drive invitations and consultation topics increased by more than 10%.

Even the final global transaction volume increased in all aspects.

The only big move Volvo made that year was to shoot an advertisement in Hollywood.

The theme of "The Matrix" and the XC90 shuttled among the explosions, but the inside of the car was a scene that echoed the grand symphony and safety. In that year, I don't know how many people wanted to buy a car but didn't know how to choose. .

The most important thing is that apart from being expensive to repair, Volvo is really cost-effective in other aspects.

And now it is the second of his three advertising contracts. Whether this advertisement can continue the glory of XC90... Xu Xin himself does not know.

But as a director, there is only one thing he can be clear about.

That is, the picture in his mind really has a sense of beauty of strength and stability.

That night, when he arrived at the hotel in Shengjing City, he had no time to look at the Apple headquarters in the distance... although he was also curious about the building designed in a circle.

But if you want to come to that kind of place, you don’t just have to visit it if you want to… Let’s talk about it later when we have the opportunity.

In the evening, he just called all the crew members together, and while everyone was having dinner, they started talking about the idea of ​​the entire advertising shooting plan.

Contains a range of data.

Tomorrow, Jean-Claude Van Damme will come over.

Mainly to test how far this guy's crotch can be split.

After determining the length, the crew also drew a marking line on the track so that the stunt drivers could walk along this line to ensure that the car would not go astray.

Then there are the flight routes, safety device practices, etc.

There is no budget for this ad.

In other words, Xu Xin doesn't have to worry about the budget.

Peter Evenson, who has been with him all the way here, is in charge.

Whether it's staff wages or the job of restoring the airport runway paint when the time comes, Xu Xin doesn't have to worry about anything. He only needs to be responsible for filming the advertisement.

save time and energy.

And this group of people are all acquaintances, and there have been no changes in the team members who followed Xu Xin after shooting the XC90 last time.

Everyone also knew the director's ability, so they didn't show any impatience.

A dinner party with food, wine and work was held until almost 9 o'clock in the evening, and it was finally over.

At the same time, Simon Reyes, as the team leader, also announced Xu Xin’s order.

Arrive at the airport at 5 o'clock tomorrow morning and wait for dawn to look for light.

Including stunt driver training and more.

No one has an opinion.

Going early means leaving get off work early.

Just do it.

After returning to the hotel room, he just informed his wife that she was safe, then couldn't bear the exhaustion caused by jet lag and fell asleep in a hurry.

At 4 o'clock in the morning on the 28th in Los Angeles, he was woken up by Su Meng's knock on the door.

When I went to the bathroom, I received a message from Yang Mi:

"We're ready to go. See you in Los Angeles."

Obviously, the Chinese promotional activities for "Pacific Rim" have come to an end. July 1st is the premiere in Mexico, and she has to rush back to participate.

"Okay, I just woke up and got up to work."

After sending it, he washed his face and brushed his teeth, getting ready to start work.

…

It's past 5 o'clock in Los Angeles. It's not particularly bright, but the rising sun can already be seen dimly.

The crew is busy working nervously.

They first made a dummy based on the height of the reversing mirrors of two Volvo FH trucks.

The dummies were all chosen based on Jean-Claude Van Damme's height of 180cm, and were fixed on a shelf facing the rising sun.

Opposite it is a fixed camera.

The camera transmits the facial status of the dummy to the monitor in front of Xu Xin anytime and anywhere.

Xu Xin's most important task today is to stare at the dummy before the sun rises completely to find the most suitable and beautiful "moment" to prepare for future shooting.

Peter Evenson and four Volvo engineers were adjusting the electronic equipment of the two FH trucks.

With computer control, this is better. Stunt drivers don't need to deliberately control the speed of the car, they only need to control the steering wheel. At that time, the speed of both trucks will be accurately controlled by computers to ensure smooth driving.

Others followed Xu Xin's request, fixed the camera on the pickup truck, and began to take regular route shots, so that he could decide what shooting route to take.

Everything is going on in an orderly manner.

Most of Xu Xin's attention was focused on the monitor facing the dummy.

It started at dawn around 5 o'clock, and he kept watching until 6 o'clock, 7 o'clock, and finally when the time came to 8 o'clock, he saw that due to the angle, the sunlight hit the side of the dummy's face, causing the entire facial features of the dummy to change. The picture becomes three-dimensional and profound, and it directly calls out Simon Reyes.

After the other party came over, Xu Xin pointed at the screen:

"Simon, prime time starts now."

"OK."

The bearded man nodded slightly and raised his arm, which had a few more tattoos than the last time they met.

8:02.

The morning sun shines through the clouds.

The picture shows a touch of golden light texture.

And at this moment, he could more or less understand what Xu said about giving Jean-Claude Van Damme a picture quality like that of the sun god Helios.

"Peter, come here too."

Xu Xin called over Peter Evanson, who had already adjusted the technical parameters of the two trucks and was about to experiment with the safety devices with a stuntman.

As the head of the advertising department in North America, Peter Evanson is naturally not a fool who doesn't know anything.

On the contrary, Volvo can compete with Scania and Mercedes-Benz in North America, and the contribution of the advertising department cannot be underestimated.

Every year, advertising for car companies is a top priority.

He can sit in this position, so he is certainly not an ordinary person.

And the moment he saw the dummy in the picture, he immediately and unconsciously let out a low cry:

"Wow."

Xu Xin was instantly happy:

"Is it OK?"

"It looks really good."

"It started at 8:03, and then we have to see how long it can last, or whether it will get better."

Following Xu Xin's words, Peter Evenson nodded:

"Yes, I can even imagine the scene when the sun hits VD (Change Van Damme)'s face like this. It's very good, Xu, surprising."

Regardless of whether it is true or false, at least the other person expressed his or her point of view.

After waiting for about half an hour, Xu Xin looked at the sun that had completely risen and left the horizon, and shook his head helplessly:

"I think the most beautiful time in the morning is from 8:03 to 8:35. And the period that best meets my aesthetic standards is from 03 to 20."

Simon Reyes nodded in agreement, but he also expressed his own opinion:

"I think it starts at 10 minutes and ends at 25 minutes. Because they look brighter in the camera."

"Indeed, but sometimes not all freeze-frame pictures are brighter, the better. Simon, just the right amount of darkness can appear more solemn and reflect a kind of sacred beauty. Roland Savy, Raymond, do you know who he is?"

After hearing Xu Xin's words, Simon Reyes looked thoughtful.

Then he shook his head slightly:

"Sorry, Xu, who is he?"

"A painter. I have seen his work in a collection of Western oil paintings. The name is "Orpheus Playing Music for the Animals". I was quite impressed by that painting. The animals were playing The shadows produced in the forest, the white tower-shaped buildings illuminated by the sun, and the different changes in the fur colors of various animals...VD's facial features are very three-dimensional, and I even think they are more three-dimensional than the dummy. So the effect should not be bad. "

Simon Reyes did not know the name of the painting Xu Xin mentioned.

But his attitude is also very consistent:

"You are the director, you have the final say."

"Well, it shouldn't be wrong, I firmly believe..."

The two of them were chatting when the steward over there came over and informed:

"Director, Jean-Claude Van Damme is here."

…

"Hello, Xu, hello, I'm Jean-Claude Van Damme. Nice to meet you."

Seeing Kong Wu's strength, Jean-Claude Van Damme, who looked like a tough guy even in his middle age, smiled and stretched out his hand, and at the same time pinned his sunglasses to his collar with his other hand.

Not to mention, even though Xu Xin is much younger than him, his attitude is quite sincere.

There is no trace of the manic look this guy had when he was in Hollywood.

As for his story... How should I put it? When he was at his most popular, he was one of the three major action male stars in Hollywood along with Schwarzenegger and Stallone. He was an absolute pillar. However, the standard Hollywood-style entertainment has also made him lose his way, and with the withdrawal of action movies from the market, now he can't even talk about being on the front line.

Nowadays, he can only act in some low-budget movies, and he is one of those has-been stars that can be seen everywhere in Hollywood.

Of course, this is the evaluation in the eyes of the media.

For Xu Xin, this Hollywood star is just an actor under his command.

He actually had no respect for Jean-Claude Van Damme.

Because when he became popular all over the world, everyone in China was looking at Cheng Long, Jet Li, Stephen Chow...

At least Xu Xin is like this.

And now Jean-Claude Van Damme is quite willing to wash away his reputation, and he is not as difficult to deal with as in the previous gossip news.

The two had a friendly exchange of greetings, and this guy seemed particularly free and easy.

It adds a bit of a good impression.

And... I have to admit that the 53-year-old's muscles and two iconic long legs are really eye-catching.

He really didn't pick the wrong person.

"MR. Yunton..."

"Just call me VD, director. My name is a bit convoluted to pronounce."

"Okay, VD, let's go measure the data first. After we understand it, we need to make some preparations. Then after choosing the clothes, we will chat."

"No problem at all."

After the RV specially prepared for Jean-Claude Van Damme arrived, he followed the service department to make preparations.

And soon, Xu Xin got a magical data.

Jean-Claude Van Damme is 2.7 meters long when fully unfolded.

Xu Xin was stunned by this number.

You know, this guy is only 1.8 meters tall.

He's not even tall yet.

And his legs are long enough...but this man's legs are simply exaggerated.

Of course, this doesn't rule out that he can't do it like others, doing it casually.

When Xu Xin first came up with this idea, he gave it a try.

Let's put it this way...130 degrees at most, and then his legs immediately cramped.

And this guy's one-shot horse that can reach 180 degrees, and maybe even more exaggerated, judging from this data, is really awesome.

With a bit of emotion, "This guy's legs are really long", the props team took the data and quickly drove two trucks over.

At this time, Volvo's precise control is reflected.

Although Xu Xin doesn't know how to drive a big car, he doesn't know whether this thing is a better driver or a better car... But there were two cars in the open space, and there was a staff member in the middle who kept making gestures with a ruler, and he saw one car twisting. After twisting and turning, I finally accurately set the distance between the two rearview mirrors to 2.7 meters.

And he was watching, and so was Simon Reyes.

While watching, he said:

"Xu, are you interested in trucks?"

"I can't say...but it feels like this car is easy to drive."

"Yes, it's easy to drive... Don't you know what the promotional point of this advertisement is?"

"Isn't it just a control system?"

"Yes, a Volvo original."

Simon Reyes seemed to know Volvo cars very well, explaining to Xu Xin:

"Its main function is a steering power control system. When you are driving at low speed, the steering wheel will be very relaxed and smooth. But as your speed increases, it will become heavier little by little. And with the strength The increase can ensure that your control of the car is improved, and the car will not lose control suddenly if you accidentally turn the steering wheel... It is very good. My uncle is a truck driver, and their company just purchased a few Taiwan, he particularly admired this car."

Frankly speaking, Xu Xin didn't quite understand the difference between what he said and could only have a rough imagination.

But he has known since he was a child that trucks are indeed imported.

Domestic products are more about cost performance.

While he was talking, the stuntman who was specially used to test the safety rope had already stepped on the ladder and reached a height where he could step on the rearview mirror.

For this commercial shoot, Xu Xin and the others planned for one car to drive in a straight line, and the other car to actually control the distance.

The United States also has left-hand drive, so the car on the right side of the screen goes in a straight line. When the time comes, the driver who controls the distance can flexibly adjust the distance of the Jean-Claude Van Damme split using the left-hand drive. The safety rope must be tied to the car that is traveling in a straight line.

It is in the form of a sling and buckle, and it will be hidden in Jean-Claude Van Damme's clothes like a sling.

If something unexpected happens, Jean-Claude Van Damme doesn't have to worry about any danger. At most, it will just be hung on the side of a truck.

He just watched as the stand-in guy was fastened with a seat belt, and then at the request of the safety officer, he stepped off the ladder with his foot...

With a "boom" sound, the whole person hit the car.

But safety is obviously no problem.

He was hung for about two minutes, during which several people climbed up and pulled the rope twice.

Make sure it's safe.

But it's not over yet.

Static is no problem, the next step is dynamic.

Because this time the safety lock buckles are placed on the upper left and right sides of the truck container. The next test step is to drive the truck and jump down directly on the roof.

The first fixed point of Wia on his body is the upper left steel cable. The second fixed point is the steel cable on the right. The steel cable on the right is longer and thicker than the one on the left. This can ensure that if the left steel cable breaks during this "jump", the right steel cable will at most allow him to fall a little while being suspended, without completely falling down.

But generally there won't be any problems.

The weight of more than one hundred kilograms is simply child's play for these safety riggings.

Soon, the truck was ready. This guy just squatted on the roof of the car.

Following the command of safety officer Kevin, the truck began to move slowly.

After the speed increased a little, Xu Xin heard a cry of "jump!", and the guy jumped without any hesitation, just like diving, his legs kicked straight.

The noise of the trucks masked the movement from the rigging.

Xu Xin saw the steel cable that had some space stretched out.

Then the guy was hung on a moving truck with a "dong" sound.

And as the truck moved forward, his body swayed in the wind, looking like a kite.

"Okay, stop."

Safety officer Kevin stopped the truck, and his assistant immediately pushed a ladder to the truck.

Xu Xin thought they were letting him go first.

But no.

After the ladder was set up, Kevin climbed up the ladder first and came to the two locks of the container. He was still holding a flashlight in his hand... He took a photo of the inside of the locks in broad daylight. After taking the photos, people After coming down, the assistant pushed the ladder directly to the left helm.

After checking the first and second rigging, he trotted directly towards Xu Xin wearing a reflective vest and a safety helmet.

"Director, there is no problem with the safety measures. We can start shooting at any time."

After hearing this, Silva, as deputy director Xu Xin, handed over the confirmation document in his hand.

Kevin signed his name.

From this moment on, if there is any problem with the security measures, then Kevin and the association behind him are the first persons responsible.

It is legally binding.

It has to be said that Hollywood appears to be very professional in these aspects.

But Xu Xin’s first sentence was:

"Kevin, put that guy down quickly. It looks like he's about to be hanged."

Kevin didn't look surprised, he just nodded and waved in the direction of the truck:

"Let them go!"

The tone was the same as that of a kidnapping scene.

After the guy was put down, he walked aside. When the workers removed the safety rigging, Xu Xin also saw several red marks on the guy's stomach.

"Simon, he's hurt."

In line with the responsibility of the director, he gave a reminder.

"..."

Simon Reyes' eyes looked a little strange.

However, he did not speak directly, but said:

"Xu, do you still have an impression of him?"

"……ah?"

This time it was Xu Xin's turn to be confused.

My heart is talking about a stuntman, what impression should I have of him?

What's more... you can't tell us Asian faces apart, and we can't tell you apart either.

Looking at his doubtful eyes, Simon Reyes shrugged:

"Last year in Berlin, he won the title of the Berlin Film Festival's most anticipated top ten European rising stars selected by the media."

"ah????"

Xu Xin was even more confused:

"He's an actor?"

"Yes, and he is an actor who has played the protagonist of a movie."

"Wait a minute……"

Xu Xin felt a little ridiculous, looking at that buddy's face...

Not bad, quite handsome.

Probably in his early twenties.

Won the Berlin Film Festival media review of the top ten highly anticipated new stars this bulk award...

Have you ever played a leading role in a movie?

"He's working as a stuntman in Hollywood now?"

But his surprised attitude was replaced by Simon Reyes' indifferent shrug:

"That's right. You seem surprised."

"Aren't you surprised?"

"Why should I be surprised? His job was an opportunity I gave him. His name is Bill Skarsgård, he is 23 years old. He is from Sweden and has played several small roles in Europe... To me, That’s all.”

"..."

Xu Xin was stunned, and after a moment of silence, he asked:

"Because this is Hollywood?"

"Yeah, because this is Hollywood."

The team leader, who was well-known in the advertising industry, nodded to Xu Xin with a strange look in his eyes and told him a very cruel American dream.

Then he asked Xu Xin a very strange question.

"Do you want his contact information? Xu."

"……ah????"

Xu Xin was even more confused.

no……

What does this guy mean?

…

Anyway.

Although Xu Xin was surprised by the competitiveness of Hollywood about the experience of a stuntman... But at the same time, he was in the United States and Hollywood at this moment, and he was also a link in the food chain.

It was like for the first time Simon Reyes was completely paid to do something.

But this time for Volvo's truck commercial, it was his first time working with Xu Xin, so it was reasonable for him to get this well-paid job.

In Hollywood, there are only BODY and NOBODY.

Xu Xin would not favor the stuntman more just because he seemed to have "little success" in Europe.

At most, I think that guy's eyes are quite big and his face is not ugly.

Jean-Claude Van Damme would not care if his stuntman completed a dangerous job for him.

He changed several sets of clothes, and finally Xu Xin chose a blue denim jacket and dark gray pants that looked too small at first glance, but in fact were completely supported by this guy's muscle bar clothes.

After the selection, the time came to around 9 o'clock.

Jean-Claude Van Damme climbed into the truck.

Start by standing.

I felt the support of the two rearview mirrors.

Later when asked what he felt uncomfortable about, he expressed his opinion.

The rearview mirror's footing is a little shaky.

He asked questions, and the crew answered them.

Soon, engineers provided a solution.

That is to weld a base to the rearview mirror so that Jean-Claude Van Damme can step on it, eliminating the need to maintain balance caused by narrow support points.

The plan was approved by Xu Xin, on the premise that it should not be too conspicuous.

Then the trucks were separated to a distance of 2.7 meters.

With the help of ladders and staff, this guy's name became famous in Hollywood for the first time in everyone's sight.

Xu Xin looked at it with a sigh.

This guy's legs are really too long.

After confirming that the distance was correct, the painters of the film crew began to appear.

They want to draw three lines.

One is the alignment line of the truck that keeps traveling in a straight line.

The second line is the driving line of another car when Jean-Claude Van Damme stood on the mirror.

The third line is the driving line two meters and seventy meters after the vehicle starts on the sideline.

There is also a dotted line at the end, which is used as a reference for lane keeping for trucks changing lanes.

This work basically takes a whole morning.

And Jean-Claude Van Damme's mission is over.

All that's left is for the crew to plan the camera's positioning route according to the shooting ideas provided by Xu Xin.

The crew was busy, but Jean-Claude Van Damme didn't leave either.

At first, after seeing Xu Xin smoking and staring at the monitor, he unfolded the shade of the RV and sat in the shade.

After Xu Xin finished smoking, he walked into the tent with a chair.

"Hey, director."

"Hello, VD."

Xu Xin turned to look at him and said hello with a smile.

Then, Jean-Claude Van Dun looked at the tea in Xu Xin’s thermos cup and asked curiously:

"Celestial tea?"

"Well...yes...mengmeng."

He shouted to Su Meng, who was sitting on the doorstep of the RV on the other side, staring blankly at the sky, and said:

"Bring the tea set here...I brought the tea set. If you don't mind, VD, can you try it?"

"no problem."

Jean-Claude Jean-Claude agreed immediately.

Then he didn't chat with Xu Xin, after all, he could see that the director was working.

Soon, the cameras were controlled by Simon and began to move in front of the two cars on site.

Once, twice, three times...

Until Su Meng heated up the hot water and came over to make tea in person, Xu Xin was still busy correcting his position.

"Tea, please."

Although it was just a travel tea set, Su Meng's professional approach obviously made Jean-Claude Van Damme a little curious.

"Crab crab~"

After thanking him in very unfamiliar Chinese, he took the slightly hot tea and smelled it.

Su Mengxin said it was okay, you still know how to smell the fragrance...

But the next moment this guy's tough guy character came out.

Tea entrance.

hot.

The Hollywood tough guy didn't change his expression, pursed his lips and nodded slightly.

That's called calmness.

Su Meng, who originally wanted to open her mouth to remind her that the tea was too hot, twitched at the corner of her mouth after blowing it before drinking again.

What a ruthless person!

But...it's hot.

When the temperature subsided and the aroma of the tea began to spread in his mouth, the Hollywood tough guy who originally planned to cool it down before drinking it couldn't help but pick up the cup again.

This time he knew how to blow.

I took a few breaths and tasted it...

Well, it smells good.

This stuff... is quite delicious.