Chapter 105: Casting is Decided by the Production Team

Han Sanping plays a clever game.

Since "The Founding of a Republic" was a success, they are just following that template to do it again.

The same screenwriting team has already begun creating "Beginning of the Great Revival."

Only with China Film Group leading can they organize a lineup of hundreds of stars to perform for free in a low-budget production.

Ordinary companies cannot pull off this kind of model; they can only look on with envy.

After "The Message" grossed 150 million in 8 days, its daily box office began to look very poor, only a few million per day.

"Director Lin, this film is shot brilliantly, but it is too oppressive and cruel.

The reviews are mostly positive and very objective, but precisely because of that, many audience members are hesitating..."

Huayi specifically conducted a cinema chain survey.

Following this data, the final box office for "The Message" should only reach around 200 million.

"Let it be. With a 50 million investment, a 200 million box office is fine."

After hearing Yue Jun's report, Lin Nan nodded and said.

After "The Founding of a Republic" finished its run, China Film Group immediately scheduled "The Hunt," which officially premieres today.

Although Liu Yifei had already seen this film while in Venice, she still called Shu Chang to go to the cinema with her today.

The media is also reporting on this matter.

"'The Hunt,' the Golden Lion film, officially premieres today."

Quite a few actors in the industry even posted on Weibo, showing off their movie tickets and thoughts after watching.

"Around us, 'hunts' can be seen everywhere..."

"The bright and glamorous entertainment industry is, in itself, a giant hunting ground."

Guo Fan greeted Lin Nan and began the promotional tour for "Source Code."

After all, this is the former's first film, so it is inevitable that he would borrow Lin Nan's fame during promotion; the latter does not mind this at all.

Ever since Xu Zheng obtained the roles of director and lead actor for "Lost on Journey" from Lin Nan, he has indeed been conscientious and responsible.

Except for Wang Baoqiang, all other roles were selected by Xu Zheng after careful deliberation.

With a production budget of 5 million, he strove for professional actors whose salaries would not be too high.

Lin Nan glanced at the casting list; they were all very cost-effective.

"Do you have any thoughts regarding the start date?"

Unlike Lu Yang, for whom he could make direct arrangements, Lin Nan still wanted to give some autonomy to Xu Zheng and Xue Xiaolu.

Xu Zheng had clearly done his homework as well.

"I think that since it's about the awkward things that happen on the way home for the Spring Festival, we might as well shoot during the Spring Festival travel rush.

This way, the atmosphere, background, and the actors' immersion can all be as authentic as possible..."

Lin Nan quite agreed with this idea.

"Then start filming during the Spring Festival. The company will send a producer and an executive producer to the crew."

"Yes, and I want to thank Director Lin for this opportunity; I will cherish it," Xu Zheng said, following the thread of conversation.

"You really want to switch to directing?"

Lin Nan asked very directly.

The other party did not deny it.

"Actors are always being picked and chosen. Someone like me with no great background finds it hard to get good resources.

In my view, becoming a director is the best path for advancement. Thank you again, Director Lin, for giving me this opportunity."

Xu Zheng said this with a straight face; it was very blunt, but also very realistic.

To say nothing else, at this moment, Lin Nan quite admired Xu Zheng for seeing reality clearly and having a very clear plan!

"Hmm, I wish you success."

A teacher's and a student's films being released at the same time and competing head-to-head—that is very interesting to watch.

Lin Nan's "The Hunt" and Tian Zhuangzhuang's "The Warrior and the Wolf."

The former, surrounded by films like "The Message," still managed to gross over 7 million on its first day.

While "The Warrior and the Wolf" only had a little over 100,000 on its first day...

Lin Nan remembered what Tian Zhuangzhuang had said to him.

"I can't make commercial films; I can only sell the copyrights. You shouldn't learn these things..."

However miserable the domestic box office for "The Warrior and the Wolf" is, the overseas copyrights should be selling just as well.

Otherwise, after all these years, no one would keep investing in Tian Zhuangzhuang time and time again.

He is not like those old guys who go to China Film Group to beg for food and rely on film support funds.

Quite a few acquaintances came over to joke with Lin Nan, "This time, Director Tian's face must be quite a sight, haha..."

When Tian Zhuangzhuang accepted interviews, he also took it in stride.

"I had this mental preparation a long time ago. The film industry belongs to all filmmakers, and even more so to the young..."

This perspective is very broad.

Lu Zheng is now a shareholder of Wanda Pictures, and his status in the industry has instantly risen by several levels.

Nowadays, he can be considered to have both money and the resources from Wanda.

"My Belle Boss," an urban romance film—just the opening press conference had a scene comparable to the premiere of a major production.

Many people attended; Ning Hao, Huang Xiaoming, and others were guests of honor.

"President Lu, Director Lin asked me to wish this film from Starlight Shining a smooth shoot and a massive box office on his behalf."

Hearing Yue Jun's words, Lu Zheng was stunned for a moment, then immediately broke into a smile.

"Yes, thank Director Lin for me."

"No problem."

After Yue Jun walked toward the crowd, Lu Zheng looked at the somewhat disappointed Jing Tian.

"The press conference is important; let's go over..."

Lin Nan was tutoring Liu Yifei.

Being a producer isn't something you can do just by reading books.

He helped her sort through what specifically needs to be done, the problems that might arise, and how to coordinate everything.

"It's so troublesome."

Liu Yifei tilted her head and leaned against Lin Nan; only in private would she be this casual.

"What, do you regret it?"

"Hmph, I don't regret it at all."

Liu Yifei's never-say-die personality is the thing Lin Nan likes most about her.

"Right now, I'm just taking you through all the work content. Being a producer doesn't mean you have to do the menial tasks.

You will be provided with a team; you only need to sit at the center and coordinate everything."

Lin Nan said with a smile.

Liu Yifei nodded slightly, "The script, it should pass censorship soon, right?"

"Just about." Lin Nan still had that much confidence.

The Film Bureau has always had a green channel for a few major directors.

Not two days later, information about "Brotherhood of Blades" appeared on both the list of approved scripts and the film filing list.

The entire film and television industry looked over.

"Film: 'Brotherhood of Blades'; Production Company: Lin Nan Pictures;

Screenwriter: Lin Nan; Producer: Liu Yifei;

Director: Lu Yang..."

Media with well-informed sources, such as Sina, obtained more information.

"Costume martial arts, 30 million budget, ensemble cast, one female lead (young)..."

Even with just this bit of information, it was already enough for the industry.

Lin Nan Pictures is starting to get involved in martial arts films?

Regardless of how the market for martial arts films is now, since Lin Nan is letting Liu Yifei produce it, he couldn't possibly sabotage his own girlfriend, right?

In other words, being able to let his own girlfriend produce it, this must be a good film!

"How many roles are there? When are the auditions for casting?"

"That female role!"

Instantly, the industry became lively.

With a 30 million budget, China Film Group and a few other companies all had some ideas.

"Chairman Han, let's forget about this film..."

"Chairman Wang..."

After Lin Nan rejected several old friends in a row, he finally found some peace and quiet.

As a result, immediately afterward, a large number of film and television companies and talent agencies began asking about the audition and casting for Yue Jun.

"Tell them that the company will not interfere with the casting for this film; it will be decided by the production crew."

"Understood, I will reply to them like that."

Once the news about the casting spread, everyone started having their own ideas.

What does it mean to be decided by the production crew?

The production crew currently consists of only two people: the director and the producer!

That means getting Lu Yang on board, or getting a nod from Liu Yifei, would be enough?

This sounded much easier than trying to get a role from Lin Nan.

"Yawen, how are the preparations for 'Love is Not Blind' coming along?"

The moment Wang Jinghua received the news, she thought of Zhu Yawen.

"Sister Hua, is something the matter?" Zhu Yawen could vaguely guess what it was.

"Haha, I wanted to ask you to help me inquire about the audition and casting situation?"

In Wang Jinghua's view, Zhu Yawen was truly lucky; he was classmates with both Lin Nan and Liu Yifei, and his relationship with them was quite good.

Not long ago, hadn't he just landed the male lead in 'Love is Not Blind'?

"Sister Hua, I suggest you go directly to Director Lu Yang..." Zhu Yawen said with a smile.

He wasn't stupid; if he wanted a role for himself, he would have definitely made the call, but using up his own favors for someone else was absolutely out of the question.

Wang Jinghua could hear the implication in Zhu Yawen's words and stopped pushing.

Lu Yang had been obscure before, but in the last two days, a large group of people suddenly appeared wanting to "get to know" him.

"Keep a low profile; these people have impure motives, and all their flattery is fake..."

Lu Yang continued to hole up at home, drawing his own storyboards.

With the director not showing his face, it was equally difficult to get in touch with Liu Yifei, the producer.

Very few people knew the latter's private phone number, and the vast majority only had Liu Xiaoli's contact information...

Actresses born in the eighties were all preparing to ask Liu Yifei for a role.

Yang Mi felt a bit uncomfortable; in the past, others were the female lead playing the Little Dragon Maiden, while she could only play the small supporting role of Guo Xiang.

Now she really wanted this female lead role, but it turned out Liu Yifei was the producer...

It was very frustrating!

Cai Yinong had already abandoned her previous thoughts; even she hadn't been a film producer, so what could she use to help Liu Shishi catch up to Liu Yifei?

"Sigh. Shishi, when the casting auditions start, I will accompany you..."

"Okay, thank you, Sister."

In Cai Yinong's view, the big-name actresses would certainly not go for this female lead role.

There were only a few young actresses who could compete, and she could guess who they would be.

It was nothing more than popular young actresses like Yang Mi and Tang Yan; as long as Liu Yifei didn't act in it, everyone had a chance, it just depended on how one played the game.

Liu Xiaoli felt very sentimental; back when her daughter was still young, she often took her to auditions.

In the blink of an eye, it had changed to others coming to her to beg for resources and ask for roles.

"Xixi, so many people have called in the last two days."

"Mom, who are they?"

"The talent agencies that wanted to sign you before are all there, and there are also some individuals who want to recommend themselves or others to you, the 'producer'."

After Liu Xiaoli finished speaking, she dotingly stroked her daughter's long hair; she was very satisfied with the current situation.

"It's a pity that Changchang took another film, otherwise I could have given it to her."

Liu Yifei wore a look of regret and began to look at the list compiled by Liu Xiaoli.