Chapter 482: Ning Hao's Special-Effects Blockbuster

Among Chinese-language film and TV directors, Jiang Heng admires two: one is Jia Zhangke, who focuses on surrealist themes, and the other is Ning Hao.

Jiang Heng especially likes the former's films such as The Good Person of the Three Gorges and Destined.

Ning Hao's Crazy Stone, Crazy Race, and No Man's Land are also good works.

He thinks Ning Hao is a talented and spirited person, not only in screenwriting and directing, but also in his occasional cameo performances, which are all impressive.

The most unforgettable is the taxi driver he played in Crazy Race, when Gao Jie, playing the gangster's little brother, inspected the goods, took a sip, and said, "Brother, the taste is off!"

Ning Hao slammed the brakes, laughing wickedly, "Did your brain get squeezed by the door? How could that taste be right?"

This performance is truly unforgettable.

Whenever Jiang Heng thinks of it, he still finds it amusing; upon seeing Ning Hao, he wants to laugh and asks if he has any good ideas.

Ning Hao's expression is a bit embarrassed, because after the initial burst of inspiration, he no longer has as much inspiration.

In history, after Ning Hao's Lost in Thailand in 2014, there was a full five-year gap until 2019 when Crazy Alien was released.

The box office was indeed high, but the reputation was merely average.

After directing Mr. Red Carpet, not only did the reputation fail to rise, but the box office also collapsed.

It must be said that a person's creative career has a limit.

When you are not yet famous, full of anticipation and passion for the future, you may have plenty of inspiration.

But once one achieves fame and wealth, living in comfort and unable to resonate emotionally with the masses, their works often begin to feel distorted and out of touch.

The most typical examples are I Am Not Medicine God and Life on the Line.

Similarly starring Xu Zheng, these films depicting lower-class hardship; the previous work moved viewers to tears, making them unable to stop crying.

But the later one can only elicit awkward laughter, leaving people feeling it's meaningless.

"Well, I actually have an idea; do you think I'm suitable for directing a special-effects blockbuster?"

Ning Hao also didn't know where to start, and casually replied.

Jiang Heng laughed, "Of course it's suitable, and I think you could combine special-effects scenes with your forte, black humor, which might also be a way!"

Ning Hao, pondering, felt there was some sense to it.

For pure sci-fi and mythological special-effects blockbusters, even if we count all of Hollywood's directors, none can compare to Jiang Heng's.

If one wants to venture into the special-effects blockbuster field, forging a new path is definitely necessary.

Black humor—how exactly should it be humorous?

Should it be a mythological story in the style of My Own Swordsman, or a sci-fi blockbuster like the Crazy series? In 2013, Ning Hao's thinking was still quite active, and he instantly came up with many ideas.

In the end, he felt sci-fi themes were too profound for him to grasp; perhaps doing a mythological special-effects blockbuster in the style of My Own Swordsman would have potential.

Ning Hao shared his view, and Jiang Heng laughed heartily, "Great minds think alike—I was just planning to make such a film, but I really don't have the time!"

Upon hearing this, Ning Hao instantly understood that he would have to do the work himself.

He laughed, "What a coincidence—I've recently been free with nothing to do; Director Jiang, if you trust me, why not let me direct?"

Jiang Heng burst out laughing, "That couldn't be better!"

Ning Hao laughed along, then asked if there were any more concrete ideas.

Jiang Heng then said, to ensure Tang Seng's successful journey to the West to obtain the scriptures, the Heavenly Court specially formed a Scripture Protection Action Special Team, arranging many little demons on the verge of immortality to go undercover on monster mountains along the westward route, interfering with the demons' plan to eat Tang Seng's flesh along the way...

What Jiang Heng described was exactly the later-popular web micro-drama Great King Don't Panic; in terms of the show's conception, it was very novel in 2013, and many plot designs in it are also full of rich black humor. Upon hearing it, Ning Hao instantly liked the story: "This, this story is great!"

Ning Hao was overjoyed; he had originally come to test the waters for Xu Zheng, but he didn't expect to hear such a creative story.

A humorous and witty story, combined with the special-effects shots previously up to standard, would surely not disappoint at the box office—it's definitely worth a try.

"Director Jiang, I'll take on this project; what about the script?"

Jiang Heng laughed, "I just thought of it off the cuff. Here's what I'll do: I'll stay up tonight and write down all the story outlines I can think of, and you can turn them into a complete script.

As for investment, if you want to chip in, do so; otherwise we'll take everything ourselves!"

Ning Hao hurriedly said, "No problem, I still have some money on hand; I can invest some, I can invest some!"

Jiang Heng agreed with a smile, then glanced at his watch.

Ning Hao knew this meant continuing to film, and after thinking about Xu Zheng's instructions, he still asked.

"Well, Director Jiang, the public opinion on Lost in Hong Kong is quite heated; have you heard about it?"

Jiang Heng laughed; he naturally knew Ning Hao's intention.

If he never brought it up, he'd look down on him! "Such a hot topic—how could you not have heard? What, Old Xu is panicking?"

"He is a bit!"

"The film market may fool audiences for a while, but eventually they'll see through it; ultimately, one must rely on the quality of the work to speak."

"Exactly, exactly!"

Jiang Heng continued, "I see Xu Zheng's confidence in Lost in Hong Kong isn't strong either; otherwise he wouldn't have sold the profit rights."

Upon learning that Jiang Heng knew about this, Ning Hao was a little surprised, then immediately felt it was only natural.

"It's hard to make a series; the later installments are prone to worsening reputation."

Jiang Heng laughed, "So tell him not to have overly high expectations; the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment—just keep a calm mind!"

"Hmm, I'll definitely tell him that when I go back!"

"That said, Old Xu still has great talent in acting; if the opportunity arises, we can continue collaborating!"

Ning Hao's eyes lit up—this meant they could still collaborate! Xu Zheng had summoned him just to probe Jiang Heng's thoughts, and also feared offending him badly and being completely blackballed! "Good, good—I'll definitely bring this up. That kid Xu Zheng has also always wanted to work with you!"

Jiang Heng chuckled, made no comment, just glanced at his watch and said it was time to go film.

Upon hearing this, Ning Hao hurriedly said his goodbyes, left the China Film Digital Base, and then called Xu Zheng.

"How long has this taken? I'm almost dying of anxiety!"

Ning Hao laughed, "Now you know anxiety and fear—why didn't you think of these back then?"

Xu Zheng said, "I just wanted to make more money; hey, I was also carried away then—what did Director Jiang say?"

Regarding the film, I tell you to keep a calm mind, don't set your expectations too high. As for you, there's still a chance to continue cooperation!

Xu Zheng, hearing this, finally let his heart settle, and repeatedly said: "That's good, that's good, is that all you said?"

Ning Hao said somewhat proudly: "We also discussed a new film; I also want to shoot a big-effects blockbuster!"

Xu Zheng, hearing this, the mood that had just relaxed instantly felt stifled again! (End of chapter)