Chapter 1782: Director Wang

A two-courtyard residence near Shichahai Lake.

Inside, it was quite lively; a group of people were busy stringing wires and arranging lights, props masters were setting up the interior furnishings, and the actors had also arrived, observing the preparation work for the filming on site.

Wang Yan walked back and forth in the courtyard, identifying and solving problems or making temporary adjustments, while Cui Lin, who followed him, along with others such as the script supervisor, recorded Wang Yan's requirements.

After more than a month, the script was finally completed to the satisfaction of all parties; meanwhile, two script read-throughs had been conducted, led by Wang Yan together with Shen Ranran, Xin Baiqing, and others, who analyzed the characters in the play, helping everyone understand exactly what roles they were portraying.

Although they could all be called talented actors later on, for now they were still immature, requiring Wang Yan, as the director, to expend extra effort.

When the crew prepared to start filming, Wang Yan's resume as a director was finally revealed to everyone, causing most of the cast to feel as if darkness had fallen before their eyes.

Someone who started by selling lamb skewers, later founded a company and opened a seasoning factory, was now crossing over to make movies?

True, the thresholds for the entertainment and literary circles were indeed not that high, but surely not this low? Was there no justice left? Even lamb skewer vendors were becoming directors?

Upon learning this, these student actors even began to doubt their own choices; after enduring so much hardship to walk this path, was it actually the right decision?

The news had even spread throughout their schools; after all, a lamb skewer vendor becoming a director offered too much talk value. In those days, being a director was still very high-end, not something just anyone could do, unlike later when anyone could become a director.

But even twenty years later, things had not reached the point where lamb skewer vendors could become directors; therefore, classmates at the schools cast pitying glances at these people.

Only Xin Baiqing, Wang Qianyuan, and others consoled themselves: at least they were the lead actors, at least the investment was six hundred thousand, and at least it was an investment approved by the Capital Film Studio, so it shouldn't be too terrible.

It was not until the script read-throughs that their anxious hearts finally settled, because during this process, Wang Yan precisely analyzed every character for them, making them understand what they needed to perform and how to perform it, fully demonstrating a director's basic qualities by knowing what kind of performance was needed and having a clear expectation for the entire production.

After all, if the director did not even know what the film should look like, there was an eighty percent chance the production would have no hope...

"It's wonderful; we've finally reached this day," Guo Zongbao said contentedly while watching the busy scene, "I truly never expected that one day my screen time would amount to several minutes."

Guo Zongbao's acting here was merely average; after watching him, Wang Yan gave up on making him a main actor, yet even so, Guo Zongbao was already very satisfied, clearly aware of his own capabilities.

"Yes, I truly never expected to see this day; Uncle, I feel this film will definitely generate a certain response," Shen Ranran, standing beside Guo Zongbao, said, filled with energy from head to toe.

Tao Liangliang chuckled and interjected, "Whether it becomes a hit depends on Brother Yan as the director; our feelings about it are useless."

As expected, the person who ruined the atmosphere always received eye-rolls.

Shen Ranran glared at him and ignored him.

Cao Ye was inside the room arranging the scene together with the crew's props masters; various calligraphy, paintings, flowers, and plants were being placed, and since he possessed aesthetic sense, understood layers, and had a strong sense of space, he held a distinct advantage in this aspect.

Zhuangzhuang sat in an unobtrusive corner, cupping her chin with both hands, smiling as she watched Wang Yan directing with authority in the middle of the scene.

She had thought Wang Yan would be extremely nervous filming his first movie, yet last night the two of them had slept very well, and this morning Wang Yan had even gone out to exercise and practice boxing.

She had also thought Wang Yan would be flustered and at a loss on set due to unfamiliarity, but now, his performance could be described as a leisurely stroll.

He was very confident, never panicking when facing any problem; his emotions were also very stable, and even when his subordinates made work errors, he would not fly into a rage, scolding or insulting other staff members.

Zhuangzhuang had previously heard Shen Ranran describe the ecosystem of film crews and had prepared herself for Wang Yan possibly becoming irritable, but now it appeared Wang Yan was completely unaffected, remaining just as he had always been.

No ceremony was held, no incense was burned nor gods worshipped; the entire crew simply took a group photo together, and filming officially commenced.

Since it was the first day and everyone had not yet entered their state, the scenes being filmed were merely minor plot fragments occurring within this house, involving no deep interactions or various complex issues.

It was very simple and very relaxed.

The cinematographer was also a veteran of the film studio, rich in experience; he could understand the shots Wang Yan needed very well and implement them effectively.

It was only after filming began that the entire crew finally put their minds at ease regarding Wang Yan, the director who rose from selling lamb skewers, because Wang Yan's arrangements were all excellent, with no errors or oversights occurring, nor any jokes made.

Han Sanping squeezed time out of his busy schedule to watch Wang Yan direct, after all, this was a crossover from the lamb skewer world, and he had to be responsible for his investment; even if Wang Yan spoke convincingly, if the scene was a mess, he would have to intervene.

His investment could fail and lose money, but it could not be lost in such a frivolous manner; after all, he had only recently taken office, and losing money was no problem—who never lost money? —but he could not become a laughingstock because of Wang Yan, which would affect his future and cause humiliation, so he certainly needed to supervise on-site to feel reassured, otherwise he would not even sleep well.

Actually, he had felt some regret immediately after approving the investment, but in the future, when others mentioned that he dared to invest in Wang Yan's first film, he would only smile calmly, stating that Wang Yan was a born director...

After finishing one scene and during the gap before preparing for the next, he laughed heartily while patting Wang Yan on the shoulder.

"I watched this scene of yours from beginning to end; it simply doesn't look like a first-time filmmaker, and even less like a lamb skewer vendor; you have truly given me a huge surprise."

Director Weng nodded repeatedly beside them, "Indeed, what the Studio Head said is correct; Wang Yan directs with proper rhythm and in an orderly fashion; if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe someone could be so skilled directing a film for the first time; thinking again about how I apprenticed with a crew for so many years, I've truly lived in vain."

Wang Yan offered cigarettes to both men and helped light them, "Director Weng need not sell yourself short; I did a great deal of preparatory work beforehand; Studio Head Han knows I visited several film crews to learn from experience, asking questions from top to bottom, and my notes fill a thick, large notebook."

"Additionally, our crew members are very professional, each fulfilling their duties and doing their jobs well, so I don't need to say much; they even tell me what to do, so it is they who are guiding me through the filming."

"Director Weng, I merely got lucky and earned some money, which allowed me to become a director, but in reality, I am still an apprentice; ultimately, it is all because Studio Head Han took care of me as a newcomer, assigning battle-hardened personnel, which is why everything has gone so smoothly."

Han Sanping laughed loudly again, "I know you are flattering me, but since your words sound pleasant and your actions put people at ease, I will gladly accept this flattery; go ahead and film boldly, and if any problems arise, come to me anytime."

"I dare not film boldly; I must proceed cautiously; since I don't understand much to begin with, I must take it slowly."

Han Sanping then asked, "Once you finish this film well, what are your plans for the future? Will you continue making movies?"

"Does Studio Head Han think so highly of me?" Wang Yan said, "Whether I make movies in the future definitely depends on whether this current film is truly completed well; if it loses money, it will be difficult for me to film again in the future, so I can only return to business, earn more money, and when I think of a good story, I will invest and film it for fun myself."

"So you still want to make movies!" Han Sanping exhaled smoke leisurely, looking very relaxed, "I started working in 1977, and it has been seventeen years until now; based on my experience, as long as this film of yours achieves seventy or eighty percent of what you envision, the film will be a success; making money is no problem; the only question is how much you earn and whether it will bloom internationally."

"You must have confidence yourself, possessing that spirit of determination to succeed; otherwise, if you yourself feel empty, how can you accomplish anything? Wang Yan, you are not that kind of person."

"I am just being modest," Wang Yan said with a slightly simple and honest demeanor, "As a crossover director who started by selling lamb skewers, if I act too arrogantly now, acting as if this film is certain to succeed and certainly earn huge profits, well, everything has contingencies; if it fails, wouldn't I be finished? Already being a laughingstock for everyone during their tea and after-dinner chats, wouldn't that further confirm I am a complete idiot?"

Han Sanping paused for a moment, then laughed again, "Then you must make this film even better; by then, you won't be people's laughingstock but a legend sung by all; a lamb skewer vendor becoming a director and making a decent film is unique not just nationwide but worldwide; just film well, and as long as the movie is good, fame and profit, whatever you want, you will have."

After encouraging Wang Yan for a while, Han Sanping left with peace of mind, saying he would wait to see the finished film.

Seeing that Wang Yan was doing well, Director Weng also paid little attention to matters on set, happy to enjoy some leisure; originally, his presence was merely as a safety net, so since Wang Yan was capable of handling the director's work, naturally there was no need for him to interfere or give orders.

Wang Yan walked over to where Zhuangzhuang was watching the excitement, sat down to rest, and asked, "How is it?"

"You are the most amazing," Zhuangzhuang said, giving two thumbs up, "Earlier I heard Ranran talk about crew matters and thought you would be in a complete mess, flying into a rage."

"It's all small stuff, just a drop in the bucket," Wang Yan said with a very conceited expression, engaging in intimate interaction with Zhuangzhuang.

On the other side, Shen Ranran held her script looking at her lines, yet her gaze fell upon Wang Yan and the other person not far away.

"Aiya..."

Guo Zongbao sighed, "Relationships between people really depend on fate; look at our big boss and Zhuangzhuang, how harmonious they are; what is most important is that Zhuangzhuang is not someone who despises the poor and curries favor with the rich; back when the big boss was still selling lamb skewers, she helped thread skewers every day and went out with him to help run the stall; this is destiny."

"And as for us, originally we struggled even to eat, unlike now where although we are not wealthy, we live much better than before, and we are all doing things we love; where did all this come from? It is all because of the big boss; this can be called 'when one person attains the Dao, even chickens and dogs ascend to heaven'."

Wang Qianyuan nearby chimed in, "Brother Bao, judging by your words, is your relationship with the director particularly good?"

"How should I put it, I..."

Guo Zongbao truly did not know how to respond appropriately, after all, how could one brag about oneself; it is always better when others carry your sedan chair.

"Not just good, it's quite good."

Seeing Guo Zongbao stammer and struggle to speak, Tao Liangliang said impatiently, "My brother Yan lives with me. When he first arrived... isn't that a good relationship? Brother Bao, he's the leader of the production workshop in Brother Yan's factory, with several people under him. He manages the confidential seasonings. Let's put it this way: more than half the money the seasoning factory makes is earned by Brother Bao."

Guo Zongbao quickly waved his hands, saying "No, no, no," "Don't talk nonsense. I'm just doing the work; the money wasn't earned by me. Without that confidential recipe, how could we make money so easily?"

Wang Qianyuan praised, "Then the treatment must be good too. The director entrusted such confidential matters to you, Brother Bao. How much trust the director must have in you. If it were me, I definitely wouldn't dare; I'd want to handle the production myself alone."

"You just haven't figured it out. How much can you produce alone? And how much can you earn? You still need large-scale production to make big money. The seasonings we produce now aren't enough to supply demand. One person, even if they work themselves to death, can't keep up, let alone earn as much money as we do now."

Guo Zongbao shifted the topic, "But speaking of this trust, the big boss does indeed trust me. You just heard it; I didn't know the big boss for very long back then, yet he entrusted this heavy responsibility to me..."

So Guo Zongbao naturally began to talk about Wang Yan's trust in him and the good treatment he received, indirectly showcasing the various systems of the seasoning factory and highlighting the generosity of Boss Wang Da.

The group of students listened, stunned and dazed.

They never expected that the man before them, speaking with a heavy local accent, actually earned over ten thousand a month. The food in the factory: one meal braised pork, the next stewed chicken with mushrooms.

Is this still China?

"Alright, is every unit ready? It's the second scene. Move, move." Wang Yan clapped his hands and walked over in a leisurely manner; filming continued.

Wang Yan won everyone over with just one scene, and everything that followed went very smoothly.

The scale wasn't large, and the demand for acting skills wasn't that high. As long as everyone distinguished their respective characters and portrayed different personalities and different motivations, it would basically be qualified.

In this play, Shen Ranran played a literature teacher who had some feelings for the protagonist. In this aspect, Shen Ranran lacked some accumulation and didn't have that particular temperament. But under Wang Yan's careful guidance, her acting skills improved rapidly.

As for the student actors like Xin Baiqing, there was no need to mention them. They actually discovered that the acting Wang Yan taught them was even better than what the school teachers taught, more accessible and easy to understand, and they all made progress to varying degrees.

There was some hidden regret before, but as the filming days passed, it was replaced only by relief; they were simply lucky.

Just like that, a little over a month passed, and the movie successfully wrapped production...

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