The Best Director

Chapter 159 Kung Fu Panda

"Want to adapt "Sweetheart" into a TV series?" In the dimly lit editing room, Wang Yang was sitting at a glass table having lunch, when he heard the news from his agent Paul Amory on the phone, he immediately provoked Shuangmei, chewing the beef rice in his mouth, asked: "What did they say?"

Paul Amory said: "It was the producer Hunter Hammons who contacted me and said that if you agree, it will be a 21-episode youth drama.

Reading Network) About fighting for the dream of dancing, laughter, tears; and friendship, love, competition. "He laughed and said: "If you like, you can join the producer, director and screenwriter. "

It was these Wang Yang who suddenly remembered the same invitation from last year. He put down his chopsticks, took a sip of water from the water glass, and said, "I'm not interested, and what can I do to adapt "Sweetheart"?" Murray said with a chuckle, "Jan, what they need is a gimmick, 'Magic Jan'; you know those TV dramas with "Juno" have done well, and it's not surprising that someone is thinking about "Honey" now."

This is of course not surprising. At the beginning of 2001, "Juno" caused a "Juno storm" in North America and even the world. At the same time, there was an upsurge of early pregnancy among young girls. The market power that came out has also made major TV stations follow suit, wanting to obtain the right to adapt the TV series "Juno", but later ordered the new series "Growing up with the baby" if it failed; "Youth Secret," CBS's "Young Mom"...

And these three episodes have achieved satisfactory ratings, among which "Secret Words of Youth" has set a new high for the premiere ratings since -ly's debut. Now that these TV series are preparing to launch the second season, another "Sweetheart" has been released. It has earned more than 70 million North American box office within four weeks of its release.

Although it is not as sensational as "Juno", it can only be regarded as a small wave, but it still attracts the attention of TV producers who have tasted the sweetness of "adapting Magic Young". It's about to start, but it's a pity that no one dared to try it and missed it. Now they don't want to let "Sweetheart" go. The biggest winners in the early pregnancy drama wave are the most enthusiastic guys in it.

"No, forget it, help me to reject it." Wang Yang thought about it and refused. Some stories are only suitable for the form of movies, "Sweetheart" is; if you have to expand its simple story into a TV series, it is not No, but more elements must be added to enhance the story.

For example, intricate love, conflicts in friendship, and conspiracy of opponents... those are not what he wants to see, so let "Sweetheart" maintain its pure beauty. All right.

"okay,

I see. "Paul Amory didn't have any opinions. Today, the title of "Magical Young" does not need to be strengthened by TV adaptations. He said the next thing: ""Entertainment Weekly" would like to invite you to do a interview. "

"No, busy. Huh...?" Wang Yang turned his chair and looked at the large flat screen on the front wall. On the screen were all the film images of "The Ninth District" frame by frame, and below were the computer and splicing screens. Tools and other equipment. He rolled his eyes and thought, "The Ninth District" needs publicity, then changed his mind and said: "How about this, don't take photos, arrange a phone interview at night, if possible, I have no problem."

Paul Amory said OK again, and went on to the next item: "You are invited to attend two business events." Before he could finish speaking, Wang Yang interrupted him with a smile: "You know that I will Those who refused are all thank you. Why has my popularity suddenly increased these days?" Paul over there smiled and replied: "Sweetheart and Ice Age are both related to you. The last one , Nike would like to invite you to shoot an NBA sneaker advertisement."

Many big Hollywood directors were born in commercials or song MVs. Compared with movies, these two give more opportunities to fledgling young people. David Fincher and Michael Bay are both representative figures. In addition to accumulating experience and increasing qualifications, shooting commercials and MVs also has money, so many famous directors will accept the shooting invitations of advertisers.

However, Wang Yang does not lack these three things now, but what he lacks is time. He held the mouse and dragged the image on the screen, and then refused: "If there are 48 hours in a day, I would be happy to take pictures; but Now, busy." Paul Amory, who was interrupted, added: "Young, actually this invitation is not urgent. The NBA draft is coming soon, and this year Yao Ming is likely to be the No. 1 pick. He is a signed player under Nike. They I want you to shoot commercials for Yao Ming."

"Oh." Wang Yang came to understand and nodded. Thinking that Yao Ming is likely to be the champion this year, he was very happy, but he felt very sorry. Because this season's performance was at the bottom of the league and the Warriors held the highest probability of 22.5%, they did not win the No. 1 lottery and were won by the Houston Rockets with an 8.9% probability. It would be really exciting if Yao Ming went to the Bay Area.

But for commercials? He thought for a while and said, "Anyway, I'm not free right now, Paul, let's talk about it later."

Naturally, Paul Amory has no objection, and making commercials is just to make money. He went on to say: "One more thing, I wonder if you want to respond?" It turns out that as the release date of "District 9" is approaching, "Sweetheart" has already come out, but one of the three plans announced last year "Prison Break" has no whereabouts, so some gossip media said: "Magic Yang's "Prison Break" was probably just a moment of anger, right?"

""Prison Break"?" Wang Yang frowned, not because he wanted to skip the ticket, but because his time alone was too limited, especially when emergencies happened one after another. Last year, the company was looking for a suitable producer for "Prison Break", but when he found that the workload of "District 9" far exceeded expectations, and he didn't have much time to be the producer of "Prison Break", he temporarily shelved this plan.

However, "Flame Family Entertainment", a brand under Flame Films, has ordered 24 episodes of the second season in order to produce a popular and stable family sitcom "Happy Family", and Flame is currently producing it. Once "Prison Break" was announced, it aroused the strong interest of various TV stations. Flame Family Entertainment first negotiated with the TV station, and it is still the same until now. The autumn and spring files are the choice of "Prison Break".

Wang Yang is seriously thinking about his plans after "District 9". In addition to editing "The Hangover", he also needs to produce "T-21-TEAM". The time should be enough to supervise another TV series. He smiled and said to the phone: "You can respond. If someone still asks this question, just say that it's not an insult. "Prison Break" will be released in the fall of next year, and everyone will be able to see it."

"Okay." Paul Amory replied, and the two said a few words about other business matters, and then ended the call.

When they learned that "Prison Break" would premiere in the fall of next year, many fans of Wang Yang were very happy. They thought that "Prison Break" had a miscarriage. Who knew that they were not happy about "Prison Break" itself, who knew Is that TV series good or not? I am happy that "Prison Break" is not an angry word. If it is an angry word, it is undoubtedly "childish" and not cool at all.

And the magical Yang they like is a super cool person, and the careers he has done are incredible, otherwise why would they like him?

At this time, an amazing news broke out that made countless movie fans cheer and cheered the media reporters like a stimulant. Natalie Portman will cooperate with Fantastic Young again.

With the popular release of "Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones", Natalie, the "National Idol" Queen of Padmé, has naturally become the most popular actress recently, and she has also been surrounded by the media. Filming, countless interviews... When asked by the Los Angeles Times, "Do you have any plans for the future schedule?", she unexpectedly replied: "In the second half of the year, or next year, I will be in Wang Yang's It should be very interesting to direct and play the heroine in the new film."

Then reporter Amit was stunned, a new film by Wang Yang? Wang Yang? I haven't heard him mention it at all, but Natalie's words can't be nonsense. It's true. He asked continuously: "What movie is that? What kind of character did you play? Are there similarities with Juno? Is this a school movie?"

Natalie shrugged with a smile, and said mysteriously: "I can't tell you all of this for now, I don't know what should be kept secret. Haha, in fact, I don't know too well." She shook her head and laughed, saying: "I I haven’t read the script yet, I only know the outline of the story, it’s very cool. Just ask Wang Yang, who knows what he wants to shoot, I just joined.”

Another magical and another mysterious work. This bit of information revealed in this interview has become the most concerned part of the whole article. Movie fans are a little crazy. "Entertainment Daily" asks: "What does Magical Jan + Natalie equal?" The first time is equal to "Juno", a classic, a global box office of 375 million, and the best director of the Golden Globe Award Nominations, Oscar Best Actress nominations, Juno craze, early pregnancy craze...

This is an extremely powerful combination. When the best director born in the 1980s and the best actress born in the 1980s come together again, what kind of movie will this time bring? Just because of this combination, because Natalie agreed without reading the script, and the phrase "very cool", movie fans are full of expectations for this movie that they don't even know the name of.

Many fans also lamented that Miracle Yang is really full of energy. "The Ninth District" is still in post-editing and will be released soon; and it took three months to quickly complete the preparation and filming of "The Hangover" with "personal experience". There is no editing, but it will be released this Christmas; "Prison Break" will start broadcasting in the fall of next year, and now another movie has surfaced, which can only be called crazy, he is like a bull that keeps sprinting.

However, such a high-speed and high-yield production is not necessarily a good thing. After all, the first movie he directed after being imprisoned has not yet been released. Can he stay magical and cool? This has also become a question in the minds of the media and many fans.

"Dude, do you think I'm not busy enough?" On the balcony under the night, Wang Yang leaned against the guardrail with a helpless face, and said to Natalie on the phone: "You make me seem to open a lot of short positions." Check." Natalie laughed triumphantly, and said, "Who told you not to call me? Now you are calling." Wang Yang covered his forehead and said, "It's because of this?"

"Not all of them." Natalie hummed a few songs and whistled: "At that time, I just thought I could help you, but now my popularity is so high, and your "Ninth District" is about to be released. I put it this way, Star Wars fans, and many others will know about it."

Wang Yang suddenly chuckled, he wasn't really angry before, because this matter was insignificant, and he didn't tell Natalie not to disclose it, and she was right, he said with a smile: "OK, thank you very much. Natalie hummed happily, and then asked, "Come out for a drink? I'm in Beverly Hills." Wang Yang looked at the faint moon and said, "No, I'll go to bed right away. I've been cutting film all day, and I'm so sleepy."

"Really?" Natalie's tone was quite indifferent, and she pretended to be concerned: "Don't spend too much energy on your sexy sweetheart, it will hurt your body, you know?"

Wang Yang frowned strangely, couldn't help smiling, and said, "Today's weather is fine, let's just leave it at that. I have to go to the company for a meeting tomorrow to prepare materials." Natalie asked casually : "What meeting? It won't be another movie project, right?" Wang Yang laughed and said, "I guessed right, goodbye."

Rushing——Into the hot summer, the beaches of Santa Monica become lively. Tourists in all kinds of swimsuits swim and bask in the sun, and the sound of laughter fills this seaside city. Not far from the beach at Flame Films headquarters, the hard work of the employees is continuing; in the spacious and bright conference room, a meeting is going on, the theme is about another CG film project of Blue Sky Studios.

At the long conference table, Wang Yang sat at the head of the chairman, Mark Slanter, Peter Wilkes, investment director of Flame Films, Chris Wedge of Blue Sky Studios, and Carlos Chardan, animation director Ha waited for a few people to sit on both sides.

At this time, the meeting has been started for a long time. Chris Wedge put forward his own preliminary idea, to make an adventure story about a group of robots. He thinks that the images of robots can give full play to the imagination, and the same is true for this story; Carlos Sand Erdanha also proposed the concept of "tourism animation", just like love movies always go to Paris, cartoons can also take the audience to enjoy the scenic spots, cultural customs of a place; People, so I strongly recommend the passionate Rio de Rio.

"Everyone, take a look at this." Wang Yang snapped his fingers crisply, and saw a slide show of an animal on the conference tablet screen above, fat, black limbs, ears, eye circles, white Neck and body; in the picture, it is eating bamboo, lying on the tree, lying on the lawn... Wang Yang scanned the crowd and asked with a smile: "Everyone knows what this is, right?"

Everyone laughed a few times, how could they not know? Mark Slant spread his hands and said with a smile: "Of course, pandas are my daughter's favorite pandas. They are very cute. Unfortunately, there are no pandas in Los Angeles. I will take her to San Diego to see 'Gao Gao' and 'Bai Yun'." Wang Yang also Not surprised, because although there are only a few pandas in the whole of the United States, it is very popular. He said with a smile: "Pandas are cute, honest, and funny... They are naturally lovable, and they are really gifted to China by the creator. one's gift."

Looking at the changing pictures, it was not difficult for Chris Wedge to think of the intention, and asked: "You mean to make a panda cartoon?" Wang Yang grinned and said to everyone: "Why not?"

Although he is the chairman and has direct decision-making power, how can a company work together if everything is "I have the final say"? How can others be serious about doing things? Any decision must have a reason, and it must at least be able to persuade others to agree, and everyone in the conference room is an investor. He must tell everyone from a business perspective that this is feasible.

"First of all, I think the idea of ​​robots is very good, but compared to science fiction subjects, we have more experience in making animals, and our technology is also in this aspect." Following Wang Yang's slow words, Chris Wedge and everyone clicked Nodded, in the process of developing "Ice Age", there is also the I*B department's investment in research and development + talent, and now Lantian has animal hair, skin and bone technologies, which can be said to be among the best in the industry.

After sharing with the image engine technology, other CG technologies have also made great breakthroughs. No matter the engine, renderer, modeling texture, etc., it is enough to produce exquisite, realistic and full-textured images. The blue sky that was once rough is gone forever.

"Carlos' 'Travel Animation' is also a great idea. The unique charm of a city can be transformed into the charm of that movie, coupled with witty and interesting stories and characters, there is no reason for it not to be successful." Wang Yang looked at a Carlos Saldanha, who agreed with the smile, said: "We must make such a movie in the future, just like Rio de Janeiro. But now, I love this panda."

He turned his head to look at the fat panda on the flat screen like a round ball, and said with a smile: "This big guy has never appeared on the market, and it obviously has great potential, because it is fat, and being fat means cute and cute." funny."

Everyone laughed, it made sense. Of course, there is no dispute on this point, pandas are indeed cute, and they are indeed an excellent animation element. Peter Wilkes looked at the screen thoughtfully and asked, "What kind of movie do you mean, Jan? A family comedy like Ice Age?"

"Yes, blue sky style." Wang Yang smiled and said, "No matter what the story is, we have to find a balance between the theme of the discussion and being funny, so that we can discuss it interestingly." Listening to what he said, Ke Both Reese Wedge and Carlos Saldanha agreed very much, and he said: "It is always pleasant to have laughter. As long as the animation is full of laughter, it will be suitable for the whole family to watch together, and it is also suitable for young people." People date, watch it by themselves, and make it.”

This is also the style initially set by Blue Sky Studio, and we will continue on this path. At the beginning, Lantian didn’t have any style, but with the production and sales of "Ice Age", everyone has this consensus and experience in this field. All the truths that I want to tell the audience should be done in an easy and interesting way. , also to serve the story.

"But it's not "Ice Age" this time. In fact, it's the same idea as Carlos." Wang Yang did a few warm-up stretches, looked at Carlos who was a little confused, and said with a smile: "Cities are part of culture. And this panda movie, we added this element into it."

Before he finished speaking, he slammed forward and threw a fast punch, which made the air roar, and everyone was a little stunned, boxing? wrong. Mark Srant's eyes lit up, and he said, "Kung Fu?" Wedge and Carlos also said, "Kung Fu?" Wang Yang waved his right fist vigorously, nodded and said with a smile, "Kung Fu "Kung Fu Panda". "

"Kung Fu Panda?" As soon as everyone heard this combination of elements, they understood what he meant without thinking. A panda playing kung fu is an action cartoon. And what do kung fu and pandas represent? Carlos Saldanha smiled very understandingly. This is the packaging to promote his own culture. He laughed and said: "This should be a story that happened in a Chinese city?" Peter Wilkes asked: "Shanghai? Beijing ?”

Wang Yang shook his head, and while operating the computer to change the slides, he explained: "It can be said that it happened in China, with Chengdu as the model, but it should be said that it is a fantasy world constructed by Chinese culture, and it is ancient."

At this time, the flat screen displayed some classical buildings with upturned eaves and blue tiles and white walls, as well as some quiet landscapes, red lanterns, steamed stuffed buns in bamboo cages, and so on. After seeing these pictures, everyone has a general impression, and understand that this is not just one or two Chinese elements, but the world of the whole movie is ancient China, which is an overall style.

"What kind of story is this going to be? Have you figured it out now?" Chris Wedge asked with interest. Both Mark Slanter and Peter Wilkes were seriously thinking about and analyzing the market for this style. For this, it doesn't matter what the story is.

Wang Yang changed the picture on the screen again, this time it was some martial arts CG, and said: "Have you read martial arts novels? I don't think so, it's not surprising. In fact, the story is still the same, an ordinary dog ​​who wants to become a kung fu master The panda finally had the opportunity to practice martial arts, and then it really became a master, defeated a villain, and both dreams and missions were fulfilled. This can be a funny and touching story.”

"Well, I can hear some feelings." Carlos Saldanha nodded, looked at him and said with a smile, "This should be a gift for Chinese movie fans, right?" Wang Yang couldn't help laughing too. , said: "You can also say that."

No one in the conference room was surprised by his idea of ​​"Kung Fu Panda". He is a Chinese who grew up in Chinatown, a Kung Fu master who practiced martial arts since he was a child, and loves Chinese culture very much. style cartoon, what's weird?

This is why Wang Yang wants to release "Kung Fu Panda". It's very simple. He likes Chinese culture and Kung Fu. It would be a very happy thing if more people and more children could like, understand and learn from it. He didn't know whether it was capital technology or what. Anyway, China's own films did not do a good job in this aspect. Except for martial arts and kung fu, it was a complete waste of many other cultures and appearances worth promoting. Also like Carlos said, it was a gift.

"I want a movie with Chinese style everywhere, scenes, costumes, music, animals, kung fu..." Wang Yang counted everything with his fingers, and said seriously: "Everything is made Only in this way will the audience appreciate it. If it is nondescript and so-so, no matter which market will like it.”

Glancing at the pensive Mark Slanter and Peter Wilkes, Wang Yang smiled and said, "I know what you are worried about." Peter Wilkes shrugged slightly , said: "Yang, there is no doubt that the combination of pandas and Kung Fu is very innovative, and the types of inspirational and comedy stories are also very attractive... But it is hard not to let people ask, is it okay to do such a theme?"

"Of course." Wang Yang looked around the crowd and said, "First of all, China's box office market will become bigger and bigger, and its share is growing rapidly every year. I don't need to say more about this." He spread his hands and said : ""Kung Fu Panda" will be at least three years old. If it is released in 2005, God knows how big the market will be at that time?" That being said, the proportion is actually not very large, because China's box office share ratio is very low. It is less than 30%, and the exchange rate is also included; coupled with the problem of piracy, don't expect many sales of DVDs and other peripherals.

Therefore, the purely Chinese market cannot support a movie with a cost of 100 million US dollars. Everyone knows this, and Wang Yang said: "But the North American market will also like it. Kung Fu is already very popular in the market; as for martial arts and Chinese style, think about "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", which also received 128 million. Chinese live-action movie."

"And we are cartoons, what's the problem? Guys, trust me." Wang Yang pressed his hands on the table and made a decision: "The main story is good enough, mainly it is a good movie, you can launch any kind of charming Culture. And we will find something in common between East and West, all audiences love laughter, don’t they?” After a pause, he finally said: “Any movie, any attempt is risky, if always Thinking about the damn risk, does anyone still make movies?" He said a little excitedly: "Movies are inherently high-risk, if you are afraid, why don't you sell shoes for Nike?"

Everyone immediately laughed and looked at each other. Mark Srant raised his hands and said with a smile: "I have no objection, I completely agree." Peter Wilkes also said: "I don't think the market will be so Fragile." Carlos Saldanha nodded and smiled: "Wow, a panda playing kung fu? Cool." Chris Wedge has long agreed to this idea, laughing: "But I can't do this, I'm sorry I don’t know much about Chinese culture.”

Seeing that everyone put away those worries, Wang Yang smiled happily and said, "You guys prepare first. I think there are too many things to prepare. The director will find them slowly."