Chapter 1778: The Mountain of Cinema

"Brother Yan, I've finished all the changes you asked for. Take a look and see if it works. If not, I'll change it again."

Another day had ended. Xu Xu Shengli, looking noticeably haggard, looked at Wang Yan, who had just returned, with expectation in his eyes.

More than a week had passed. Xu Xu Shengli had been burning the midnight oil every day, deleting and revising, until he was a complete mess. Locking himself away for so long, neglecting sleep and meals, keeping irregular hours, and lacking proper nutrition had left him looking as weak as a ghost.

Wang Yan threw his bag onto the table, picked up the script, and sat down to read it.

Xu Xu Shengli eagerly served tea and water, lit a cigarette for Wang Yan, and then waited anxiously by his side.

After finishing one cigarette, Wang Yan had also finished reading the script.

"How is it, Brother Yan?" Xu Xu Shengli asked impatiently.

"The dialogue you wrote still lacks culture and fails to reflect the knowledge of this group of high-level intellectuals. I've circled a few topics that need discussion, but what you wrote is too shallow and stays on the surface. You like to pile up flowery words to prove you're cultured, and this flaw remains uncorrected."

Xu Xu Shengli showed obvious disappointment; his confidence had been struck.

He hadn't expected Wang Yan to be so professional when reading the script, nor did he expect the problems pointed out to be ones he had to admit were valid. Even though he believed he had done very well, even performed above his usual level, he still had to admit that Wang Yan made a lot of sense.

"Then what should I do? Should I ask my master for help?"

Xu Xu Shengli had been introduced to an old screenwriter as an assistant and got along very well with him. Originally, he wanted to do it himself to save face, but now he had to ask for support and help.

"Even if your master steps in, it would be in vain; he doesn't know that many things. Screenwriting isn't work one person can do alone. For projects worth millions, dozens or even hundreds of people work together. Do you think the most important script is something just one person does?"

"Your structure is fine; it's just the content that's no good. Later, you can find some scholars to discuss it. A script isn't something achieved in one go; even during filming, it still needs constant revision. This kind of creative work can't be rigidly boxed in; it gets perfected bit by bit."

"Don't be discouraged. It's much better than last time and barely usable. Tomorrow, I'll take it to the film studio to have a look."

Xu Xu Shengli nodded, then asked again: "Brother Yan, I know Director Weng at the film studio. Should I go find him to help introduce us?"

"That would be great. Take the script to him and say I want to see the factory director."

Xu Xu Shengli was speechless. Why did he think so beautifully? Did he really think the factory director wasn't a cadre, that you could just say 'I want to see him' and see him?

"I'm afraid that won't be easy."

Wang Yan glanced at him: "You haven't even tried yet, and you're already saying it won't be easy. How can it succeed? Our script is good. Whether it's Director Weng or others, they all have good taste. What's most important? I'm investing two hundred thousand myself; part of the funding is already solved. For the film studio, is the remaining few hundred thousand really money?"

"They can even offset a certain amount of funding with production process needs. Just talking about camera equipment, other professional personnel, and post-production—aren't those all money? The actual funds they put out would only be ten or twenty thousand. With such a small amount, what harm is there in giving it a try? Don't you agree?"

"Yes, yes, yes, Brother Yan, what you said makes so much sense. How did I not think so comprehensively?" Xu Xu Shengli praised him, then immediately said, "Then tomorrow I'll go ask Director Weng and beg him for help."

Xu Xu Shengli and Director Weng had met a few years ago. Back then, Director Weng was filming in Xu Xu Shengli's hometown, and by chance, they got to know each other.

Director Weng indeed appreciated Xu Xu Shengli quite a bit. Perhaps he thought Xu Xu Shengli had quit his job and come to Jingcheng because of him. This made him, a person with a conscience, feel a sense of responsibility. So after Xu Xu Shengli arrived in Jingcheng, he introduced him to film crews and also let Xu Xu Shengli be an assistant to his old friend.

Even if a cross-over director who sells spices sounds somewhat unreliable, considering Xu Xu Shengli said his ideas for the movie were entirely his own and were of a high level, able to understand the script and know what he wanted, it looked somewhat reliable after all.

So Director Weng did not refuse Xu Xu Shengli's request for help. With the factory director present at the studio, he took the script and went straight over. He also slightly exaggerated what Xu Xu Shengli had told him when speaking to the film studio's factory director.

The next morning, at the entrance of the Capital Film Studio.

Wang Yan, rarely, wore a full suit and leather shoes; even his short-sleeved shirt had a tie, looking very formal.

This world is, of course, very realistic. When Cui Lin came to see him, he was the one in charge, so naturally, there were no taboos. However, now that he had become Cui Lin's role, the one in charge was the factory director of the film studio. He was asking for their favor to part with money, so naturally, he had to put on a proper show and show them respect.

When Cui Lin saw him, if he wore big shorts, Cui Lin would only think he was free-spirited. But when he sees the film studio's factory director wearing big shorts, people will only politely send him off; who has time to appreciate his free spirit?

So-called 'serve the dish according to the guest' is nothing more than this.

By Wang Yan's side was Xu Xu Shengli, equally solemn, wearing glasses and carrying a leather briefcase, looking very artistic.

After registering with the guard, under Xu Xu Shengli's lead, they went to find Director Weng first.

"Hello, Director Weng. I am Wang Yan. I've always heard Xu Shengli speak of you. You have the demeanor of a senior, are kind to people, and are willing to promote the younger generation. Seeing you in person feels especially warm..."

Hearing Wang Yan's barrage of praise, Director Weng puffed out his belly, smiled, and waved his hand: "Don't put a high hat on me. I just saw that you, an outsider to the circle, are enthusiastic about the film industry and came up with such an interesting concept. I didn't want your good story to be buried, so I spoke to the factory director on your behalf."

"But you must understand, young man. Even though the factory director has seen your script and is interested, it doesn't mean the studio will invest in your play. Even if they do invest, they might not let you be the director. You must be prepared. If you think too highly of it and don't get the result you want, don't blame me."

"I can't thank you enough; how could I possibly blame you? I was also influenced by this group of artists. After making a little money, I wanted to give it a try. If it succeeds, that's best; if not, it doesn't matter. I even told Xu Shengli that if it doesn't work out, I'll just make money slowly, and whenever I have the funds, I'll shoot it myself. Even if it doesn't get released, watching it for fun is fine; it doesn't matter."

"It's good that you think that way."

Director Weng nodded in approval, then, without beating around the bush, made a phone call to confirm the factory director was free, and then beckoned the two to go out.

Wang Yan wasn't visiting the Capital Film Studio for the first time. He had previously worked as a screenwriter, literary advisor, or other professional expert to assist in filming and provide professional knowledge guidance.

But coming here in his current capacity to seek investment and formally direct and shoot a movie himself was truly the first time.

Soon, under Director Weng's lead, the three arrived at the factory director's office.

"Factory Director, this is the owner of the script I brought yesterday, Wang Yan."

Following Director Weng's introduction, Wang Yan nodded appropriately to the man with the crew cut in front of him and greeted him: "Hello, Factory Director. I am Wang Yan, here to seek investment from you."

The factory director of the Capital Film Studio at this time was none other than Han Sanping, a figure indispensable in discussions of Chinese cinema, a mountain that countless entertainment novels cannot bypass.

Hearing Wang Yan's words, Han Sanping paused for a moment, then smiled and said: "You are quite direct."

"The Factory Director is busy with myriad daily affairs; it's better to speak plainly and not waste the Factory Director's precious time."

"Sit down and talk."

Han Sanping pointed to the old, chipped sofa nearby, fetched cups to brew tea for everyone, and even distributed cigarettes to Wang Yan and the others. Only Xu Xu Shengli didn't smoke, but he tactfully accepted one and held it in his hand.

"I've read your script. The overall framework and the story concept are both very good; it's just the specific content that needs polishing. I think it's a good script that can be filmed."

"You want to be the director. Young people having dreams is a good thing. You also have money to invest, which is even better. Actually, with two hundred thousand, this play could be filmed..."

Wang Yan cut in: "Two hundred thousand can certainly film it, but it might be a bit shoddy. Since we are all thinking of pursuing art and we have the conditions, it's definitely best to strive for perfection. I know the Factory Director thinks I'm an outsider selling spices, and being a director is indeed quite risky; it's easy to ruin the filming and make the investment go down the drain."

Han Sanping nodded: "I do indeed have such concerns. Although the money you ask for isn't much, it's still several hundred thousand. This isn't the past anymore; it's market-oriented. The reform of the film and television industry has been talked about for more than just a day or two."

"What is market-oriented? It means if there are costs, there must be returns. You have to make me believe that you, a young person with no industry experience, can direct this movie well and make the studio profitable."

"If I say I can direct it well, that this play will definitely make money, can go abroad to film festivals and win awards, and earn millions of US dollars in foreign exchange, the Factory Director probably wouldn't believe me either? Don't say me; even Director Xie or Director Zhang from Western Film, if they came to shoot it, couldn't guarantee it would definitely be shot well. They could only say they'd lose less money, or make some money based on their reputation."

"But ultimately, my play tops out at seven hundred thousand. This story is also quite interesting. As long as we ensure this meaning is filmed, there will definitely be a certain market. The whole country is so big; selling copies alone can recoup the costs. It's basically unlikely to lose money."

"Moreover, if I perform well, maybe I really can go abroad to film festivals. Even if we don't win an award, our creativity is there, highlighting novelty. We can definitely sell it for several hundred thousand US dollars. Maybe we can even sell remake rights or something and make a small profit."

Han Sanping laughed: "You know quite a lot."

"Since we are going to make a movie, I naturally learned more about the situation. If I knew nothing and just blurted out that I wanted to be a director, that would truly be a joke. Factory Director, regardless, I am personally investing two hundred thousand of real gold and silver."

"Director Weng should have mentioned it. I came to Jingcheng alone. At first, I set up a stall in Zhongguancun selling lamb skewers, then opened a company selling spices. All the money I earned was hard-earned. Especially now, when the company is developing, in such a situation, I am taking out two hundred thousand to make a movie. I also have to be responsible to myself. No one wants to make this movie better or wants this movie to make money more than I do."

"That is indeed the logic." Han Sanping nodded, took two drags of his cigarette, and said, "In that case, tell me: if I invest in your film, how do you plan to shoot it and how will you implement it? Be detailed; say exactly what you are thinking."

"I have found an assistant director who has participated in several film productions and has considerable experience; he can assemble the crew. Next, we need to find a cinematographer with sufficient skill. I don't understand all the technical details, but I know what kind of visuals I want. For instance, for this opening scene, I have simply sketched out the storyboards; Factory Director, you can take a look..."

For the next while, Wang Yan explained in great detail exactly how he intended to shoot this film.

From assembling the crew, arranging all personnel, selecting actors, choosing filming locations, managing various projects, to how to shoot, setting the tone, the film's overall color palette, highlighting the expressed themes, arranging subtle metaphors, and addressing various issues during production such as personnel injuries, equipment damage, and filming delays—how to coordinate the crew and how to direct the actors...

Making a film involves dozens or even hundreds of people; for larger productions, it can require several hundred workers. In China, the system is essentially director-centric; as the person in charge of the project, the director is responsible not only for the film itself but for every aspect from the initial project approval until after the film's release.

It is like waging war: a commander begins with high-intensity involvement in formulating the battle plan, then deploys troops, issues orders, and directs the army into combat, continuing until the war is won and the forces return home. The trivial matters involved in this process are simply too numerous to count.

Every excellent director is an excellent project manager, possessing considerable ability in overall planning and management. Of course, as they achieve success, their teams become fixed, and things actually become much easier later on. But even so, one must have an understanding; one cannot simply know nothing at all.

As a novice director, Wang Yan was primarily demonstrating to Han Sanping his understanding of the director's role as a project manager, thereby proving that although he lacked experience and was an outsider, he was not some naive young fool with wild fantasies who would just throw money away without knowing anything.

As Wang Yan spoke, the look in Han Sanping's eyes changed, because Wang Yan truly understood; even if it was merely theoretical discussion, one still had to be capable of articulating it.

Han Sanping exchanged a glance with Director Weng, who was equally bewildered, then laughed heartily and said, "In the past, whenever people spoke of geniuses, I never believed it. But today, having seen it with my own eyes, I have no choice but to be convinced; there truly are people born to do this."

Before Wang Yan could say a word, Xu Xu Shengli, who had been quietly listening, could no longer hold back: "Factory Director, does your meaning imply that..."

"We'll invest!"

Han Sanping waved his hand broadly. "Let's just say we aim to make it a bit better; they are all young people, so Director Weng, guide them."

Having only recently assumed his post, he naturally wanted to achieve results; moreover, he himself was quite willing to nurture new talent and strengthen the ranks of filmmakers.

Wang Yan's script was excellent, and he had theoretically demonstrated considerable directorial ability; furthermore, he himself managed a company of several dozen people, building it from nothing, which further proved his intellect.

Besides, Wang Yan had already invested two hundred thousand himself and analyzed everything so logically; four hundred thousand was truly a drop in the bucket, so why shouldn't he give it a try...

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