Chapter 79

Under the influence of Jiang Heng's successive successes with several special-effects blockbusters, of course mainly due to the dual harvest of awards and box office for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Zhang Yimou decided to shoot a martial-arts epic.

After confirming the project and script with the boss of the new film, Zhang Weiping, Zhang Yimou began casting actors.

For the male lead role of Nameless, he needs not only a solid kung fu foundation but also strong box-office appeal.

Zhang Yimou initially considered Cheng Long, but felt Cheng Long's personality and image didn't quite fit the role, so he abandoned that idea and then invited Li Lianjie.

Li Lianjie actually does have the idea of shooting a martial-arts epic now, naturally stemming from regret over missing out on Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Zhou Runfa, lacking martial arts foundation yet able to star in a martial-arts epic with global box office over two hundred million dollars, leaves Li Lianjie, whom the media has long called the Emperor of Kung Fu, feeling utterly ashamed!

Thus this time, Li Lianjie not only lowered his own price but also put forward several demands.

First of all, naturally the most important co-star actor, the actor who plays Long Sky.

Li Lianjie asked who they planned to cast, and Zhang Yimou gave a name.

Li Lianjie said, "Let Zhen Zidan come!"

Zhang Yimou was stunned, because his side had already been set; changing actors last minute would cost money!

However, Li Lianjie insisted repeatedly, saying in his words that only by sparring with a veteran action actor like Zhen Zidan could they strike dazzling sparks.

Zhang Yimou thought of the world-shocking battle between Huang Feihong and Nalan Yuanshu, and still agreed.

Li Lianjie also said, "Let's also replace the role of the Broken Sword!"

Zhang Yimou made a doubtful sound, unable to believe his own ears: the male lead is you, you want to designate the two most important supporting roles—who's the director between us two?

Li Lianjie quickly explained, "I'm just making a suggestion from the box office and awards perspective!"

Zhang Yimou became interested, gesturing for the other to continue.

"I think Director Jiang Heng is more suitable for this role than Liang Chaowei!"

"How so?"

Li Lianjie said: "In terms of fame, Director Jiang Heng far surpasses Liang Chaowei, especially in Europe and America!"

Just that sentence almost made Zhang Yimou agree.

His purpose in shooting Hero is simple: one, to win awards; two, for box office.

Especially in Hollywood, the Oscar requires promotion and operation; if Jiang Heng could participate, promotion would be much easier.

Li Lianjie continued: "Moreover, I've met Director Jiang Heng; he's young and handsome, and although he lacks a martial arts foundation, through action design and post‑editing the effect won't be too bad."

What went unsaid was that Liang Chaowei also lacks martial arts foundation, so why must we choose him!

Zhang Yimou deeply agreed, then immediately worried: "He's busy shooting blockbusters; he might not be willing to act!"

Li Lianjie said: "I heard his Xianggang company is preparing an action film, inviting Zhen Zidan to star, and Director Jiang will also make a cameo. So regarding acting, he probably won't object."

Zhang Yimou listened and felt it really could be tried.

In terms of schedule, there wouldn't be any conflict either.

The Xianggang side usually shoots films quickly; from preparation to completion, two or three months is pretty good.

But his Hero must be handled with extreme care; the earliest it can start shooting is after next summer.

"All right, perfect—Director Jiang is filming in Jingcheng, so I'll go drop by the set!"

Li Lianjie, to show sincerity, is also willing to go along.

After making a phone call in advance and fixing the time,

That day, Zhang Yimou, Li Lianjie, and Zhang Weiping entered together the China Film Digital Soundstage's Pacific Rim crew.

Looking at the green screen inside the soundstage, actors in motion‑capture suits performing various actions into the void, Zhang Yimou and Zhang Weiping opened their eyes wide.

"Can this really shoot monsters tens of meters high?" Zhang Weiping said in disbelief.

Li Lianjie said: "I heard they use the reflective pieces on the suit to capture the motion trajectory, then combine that data with pre‑built models; as for the specific effects, you'd have to ask the specialists."

Zhang Yimou and the others looked at Yuan De coming out to greet them; he instinctively rubbed his big bald head, smiling and saying: "Well, that's about right—I'm not well educated, I can't figure out those high‑tech things!"

The group arrived before Jiang Heng, first waiting for this scene to finish shooting before they could talk.

"Filming duties are heavy; I couldn't come out to greet you from afar, please forgive us!"

Zhang Yimou, being of a silent disposition, thought about exchanging pleasantries but felt it was fine not to speak, and just gave a sound and moved on.

Li Lianjie laughed: "This is the busiest part; I understand!"

Zhang Weiping said: "Are the scenes in Lion‑Camel Ridge also shot this way?"

Jiang Heng laughed: "Pretty much, but comparatively this one is a bit easier to shoot!"

Zhang Weiping wondered: "Why is that?"

Jiang Heng said: "In Lion‑Camel Ridge, the green lion, white elephant, golden leopard, etc., when turned into human form retain some features of their original heads, which requires capturing the actors' facial expressions and actions and combining them with the digital models. In this film, the mecha and monsters have none of that—it's just all‑out fighting!"

Zhang Weiping seemed to realize, smiling: "That's actually not bad!"

He turned to Zhang Yimou and said: "If our film makes money, we'll also make a monster epic later!"

Zhang Yimou gave a noncommittal, faint hum.

Jiang Heng instantly thought of the Great Wall and Da Tian Tian, thinking: "You'd better not film this!"

Because time was limited, Li Lianjie directly stated his purpose, saying he wanted to invite Jiang Heng to appear in Hero, playing the role of the Broken Sword.

Jiang Heng blinked at the words, thinking: "Isn't it supposed to be excel in acting then become a director?"

How come lately people keep wanting to find me to make a movie!

He instinctively refused: "It's not suitable, is it?"

Zhang Weiping said: "It's suitable, Director Jiang—your fame, image, industry standing and personal ability are all enough to handle this role. Moreover, our Hero should be considered the first Neidi‑produced blockbuster; aside from you, other commercial blockbusters, whether from the perspective of supporting Chinese‑language cinema or huddling together for warmth, your participation is too important!"

Being able to keep Zhang Yimou, the top‑tier director of Chinese‑language cinema, under his sway for years shows Zhang Weiping really has some skill.

After all that talk, he didn't know how to refuse.

Of course, he didn't especially want to refuse either.

As for the accusation of stealing Liang Chaowei's role, well, the two have no connection, so there's no talk of guilt.

He immediately thought of Zhang Manyu, who played the opposing role in the film, seeming to have gotten a bit older!

Zhang Yimou saw this, his heart skipped a beat, the familiar feeling rose again, and he thought: "He wouldn't also need to change actors, would he!"

"If you guys change the actors all around, how am I supposed to film!"

Out of nowhere he blurted: "Director Jiang, you don't have any other requests, do you!"

Jiang Heng froze a moment, then laughed and said: "No, just set the schedule in advance, don't take too long and it'll be fine!"

(End of chapter)