Chapter 374: War of Witches and Demons
Actually, the room for choice in primordial wilderness stories is not large.
What can be filmed is nothing more than ancient mythological stories; furthermore, it's the content of 'Buddha Originally Dao'.
Jiang Heng intended to create a 'Chinese Mythology Film Universe'; naturally, he opted for a system that is rigorous and grand, having restructured Chinese mythological stories in 'Buddha Originally Dao', which is more suitable.
As for the film and television rights to this book, they had already been secured long ago.
Over these years, Jiang Heng has not had few people purchasing the film and television rights to popular novels for him; he has indeed stockpiled a large pile.
Therefore, regarding the rights, there's basically no need to worry.
The only concern is which book to film first and which segment to film.
But after thinking it over, the most suitable and appropriate part is still the 'War of Witches and Demons' storyline.
The reason is simple: when he initially directed and starred in 'Splitting the Mountain to Save Mother', he repeatedly mentioned the plot setting of the 'War of Witches and Demons'.
Thus, after 'Splitting the Mountain to Save Mother' was released, many viewers became curious about the plot setting of the 'War of Witches and Demons', and even thought Jiang Heng would release a prequel to tell this story.
Unexpectedly, after waiting several years, no sequel appeared; instead, the web fiction world produced a divine xianxia work, 'Buddha Originally Dao', which explained this story clearly.
Because it has a certain connection to the content of 'Splitting the Mountain to Save Mother', this era's 'Buddha Originally Dao' has become even more popular, and the calls for its adaptation have remained high.
Once the 'War of Witches and Demons' project is approved, it will likely shock the entertainment and web fiction worlds instantly.
Jiang Heng had a plan in mind, but he did not voice it immediately; instead, he summoned all the executives involved in film production to the meeting room and ordered them to begin discussing.
Although he could decide with a single word, he also couldn't let his subordinates just eat dry rations; he needed to consider the company's development, and also wanted to see if there were any suitable talents.
"Director Jiang, I think it's better to film 'Buddha Originally Dao'; this book's setting is rigorous and grand, with many characters, featuring both personal duels and path-to-enlightenment, as well as the ancient war of the Witches and Demons."
"I think it's better to film Ne Zha; after filming these two, we could then film King Wu's Conquest of Zhou, and the Investiture of the Gods story is familiar to audiences, making it easier to understand."
In the meeting room, everyone's discussion was very heated; each had their own reasoning, and it sounded quite substantive.
Jiang Heng appeared to be listening attentively, but in fact he was paying attention to everyone's performance, noting who was just talking superficially and who had clearly put in effort.
After a while of discussion, Jiang Heng glanced at his watch, nodded slightly, and said, 'Alright, let's stop here for today; if you have any opinions, you can send them to me later.'
They discussed for a while, Jiang Heng glanced at his watch, nodded slightly, "Okay, we'll stop here for today. If you have any opinions, you can send them to me later!"
Jiang Heng returned to his office and had Cui Zhenzhen bring over a cup of coffee.
After sitting at his desk, he began writing the outline for 'War of Witches and Demons'.
Not long after, Cui Zhenzhen knocked and entered, saying, 'Director Jiang, Miss Yang Mi has come to see you!'
Jiang Heng was startled upon hearing this, because since Yang Mi became famous from 'Palace Lock Heart Jade', she has received so many film, TV, and variety show invitations that she is rarely seen normally.
She had returned for the premiere of 'Legend of the Little Soldier' and had also attended a banquet.
However, there were simply too many people that day, so they didn't manage to exchange more than a few words.
Thus, Yang Mi's impression of him was that she hadn't seen him for at least half a year.
So Yang Mi's impression of him was that she hadn't seen this person for at least half a year.
"Okay!"
Yang Mi quickly entered together with Cui Zhenzhen, only to see her wearing a set of light-colored denim shorts, revealing her long, fair legs, a black T-shirt on top, and sunglasses with a baseball cap.
After entering, Yang Mi quickly took off her sunglasses and cap, and enthusiastically said, 'Director Jiang, long time no see, I really miss you!' Jiang Heng stood up, shook her hand, and smilingly said politely, 'Long time no see, I miss you girls too—each one busier than the last, going days without seeing a single one!'
Yang Mi laughed heartily, 'I actually want to be the most gorgeous flower in this office, but it seems there's no room for me!'
Jiang Heng laughed heartily, 'Actually, I have plenty of property; I can tidy up many offices!'
Yang Mi gave Jiang Heng a resentful glance, 'Only if you stay long does it count!'
The two chatted idly for a while, then each took a seat.
Yang Mi's return this time was naturally not just to catch up with Jiang Heng.
But rather, knowing that Jiang Heng is about to start a new production, she wanted to try to vie for a female lead role.
She is, after all, also a person who loves Outstanding Rising Film Company, but the contracts of Liu Yifei and Jing Tian have not been signed yet, and Jiang Heng has consistently used company resources to promote outsiders, which is hard to justify! Furthermore, her agent told her that Jiang Heng intends to film primordial wilderness-type movies, in which there will likely be many female roles.
Yang Mi's status and stature make obtaining a role not a problem, but the difference between a good role and a bad one is significant.
Speaking of which, Liu Yifei and Jing Tian have obtained many high-quality film and television resources from the company over the years, but the roles Jing Tian has gotten are clearly better than Liu Yifei's.
It is said that Jiang Heng wrote 'One Person Under' out of guilt, giving the role of Feng Baobao, the most popular character therein, to Liu Yifei to play.
Yang Mi knows she likely cannot outcompete Liu Yifei and Jing Tian, but she still ought to strive for it.
"Director Jiang, for this new film you're shooting, is there a role suitable for me?!"
Jiang Heng laughed, 'Definitely there is!'
"One of the Seven Fairy Maidens?" Yang Mi said wistfully.
Speaking of which, the Jiang Heng works she has appeared in over the past few years are basically of this type, leaving no room for expression! Uh, actually that's not true! Among them, the sharp-tongued Seven Fairy Maiden who mocks Sun Wukong is played by her.
The result is that she left a negative impression on the audience—this is practically suicidal!
Jiang Heng knows this girl has some dissatisfaction; thinking that her time since switching over isn't short either, and she occasionally comes to see him once, expressing a strong desire to improve, this time he'll pick a slightly more important role for her to play!
Thinking of this, he promised, 'Hmm, rest assured, this time I will prioritize you!'
"Thank you, Director Jiang; look, I've hardly come back this once—could you let me treat you to a meal to express my thanks? It would only take an hour!" the big honeybee said coquettishly.
Jiang Heng glanced at his watch, laughing and crying at the same time, 'You're timing this to the minute, aren't you? It's practically mealtime!'
"Really? I really didn't notice that!" Yang Mi showed an embarrassed expression.
The two went out to have lunch; on the way, Jing Tian called, and the result was that they ended up together.
Unexpectedly, these girls seemed to have made an appointment, as calls came in one after another.
Liu Yifei, Tang Yan, Gao Yuanyuan, Ke La La, Zhao Liying...
Jiang Heng gave an embarrassed laugh, 'You guys wouldn't have made an appointment, would you?'
Yang Mi quickly waved her hands, 'Definitely not! How could I have made an appointment with them!'
As more and more beautiful female stars wanted to come over, the place the two had originally decided on became unsuitable.
More and more beautiful female stars who wanted to come over made the place the two had originally chosen unsuitable.
Jiang Heng had no choice but to change to a large private room, and ate together with the beauties.
These people naturally were eyeing the female roles in Jiang Heng's new film, after all, Jiang Heng's films have extremely high box office, traffic, and discussion.
As long as the role stands out and they perform normally, their careers are likely to step up to a new level.
(End of chapter)
End of Chapter
