Chapter 16: Preparation

"Lin Dao is responsible for the Erlang Shen line, the Chen Xiang line is handed to Director Yu, and the rest of the trivial matters I'll..."

On the 9th, *Lotus Lantern* started filming. The producer was a wholly-owned subsidiary of CCTV; they had nothing else, just connections and resources.

On the day of filming, many official media outlets came to promote traditional culture, the story of splitting the mountain to save the mother...

The lineup was much bigger than *Chinese Paladin* two days ago; this was a CCTV drama, destined for a high-end premiere platform.

The movements designed by the martial arts instructor were played out grandly by Jiao Enjun; this was what an action scene should be.

The silver armor of the props team was also designed beautifully.

"What *Lotus Lantern*, shouldn't this be *Legend of Erlang*!" Lin Nan sat behind the machine and laughed.

Everyone laughed very happily.

"Senior Sister Danchen, why don't you like it?"

"I can like it, it's the screenwriter who won't let me."

Unlike others who had management companies, Jiao Enjun was completely a freelancer. Just being able to knock open CCTV's door with this, one could imagine his strength and temperament.

When the scenes of several lines converged, Lin Nan decisively lay flat and handed it to the other two, being joked about as being absent from work.

At this time, Lin Nan would often slip to the neighboring crew; that artificial peach blossom forest was very beautiful, and Miss Ling'er surpassed the peach blossoms.

Visiting Hengdian again in this life, he no longer had that sense of inferiority he once had.

This year, it was going to be listed as a film and television industry experimental zone; as a director, Lin Nan might have to run here often in the future.

The crew's filming had entered the second half; the nephew fought his uncle for the first time and was taught what "almost" meant.

Lin Nan also received notice from above that the film filing was successful, and the script review had also passed.

Wait a little longer; he was still working right now and didn't want to be disturbed by the film. He had to have professional ethics.

Shanghai Film Group's sense of smell was keen; Lin Nan handled the filing matter himself. Less than 12 hours after he knew the result, the call from over there came.

Not just Shanghai Film Group, but also China Film Group, and the school teachers.

"Haven't done the budget yet."

"Talk about it after *Lotus Lantern* wraps up."

"Actors are undecided, no rush, it was just filed."

"Teacher, what are you adding to the chaos..."

"Enlight Media?"

Since the first call from Shanghai Film Group, Lin Nan hadn't had a moment of peace. He didn't know who had spread his number around, but everyone, whether they knew him or not, came looking for him.

Among them was the current Huayi, and Wang Jinghua.

"You are also a hot-selling director; this result is to be expected."

When Director Zhao said this, he was still a bit envious.

TV dramas are naturally weaker than films.

Lin Nan turned off his phone, not even carrying it on him, so he could focus on work.

On the other side, Huayi's *A World Without Thieves* started filming. Wang Baoqiang, without *Blind Shaft*, still became "Shagen," making Lin Nan sigh endlessly.

"Teacher Xiaoqing's acting is really good, worthy of being someone who can make the screenwriter add scenes." Lin Nan sighed to some behind-the-scenes staff.

It was just that the face of the Jade Emperor made people lose focus; the boss of the underworld money factory wouldn't let you go.

In the evening, the crew could finally rest. Lin Nan went back to take a shower and went out; Watching Shu Chang was already waiting. They had agreed with Liu Yifei to go shopping.

Zhu Yawen was too lazy and didn't go. Today he filmed fight scenes for a day, holding a custom-made nine-toothed rake, and was exhausted.

Hengdian at night was also very lively. "Director Zhang has a new play again, my mother and godfather are helping me fight for it."

Liu Yifei took a slice of orange handed by Lin Nan and said.

"It's *The Return of the Condor Heroes*," Watching Shu Chang said. She also wanted to audition; she was also an acquaintance of Director Zhang.

"Does your film have a role suitable for me?"

Liu Yifei pulled Lin Nan's sleeve and asked.

Watching Shu Chang didn't expect her best friend to ask so directly. She also wanted to ask this question, but obviously, their relationship hadn't reached that point; they were classmates.

"The Zheng Xiaolong Maiden in *The Return of the Condor Heroes* is a role destined to be a big hit. If you are sure you can play the Zheng Xiaolong Maiden, then don't give it up.

Unlike other roles, the Zheng Xiaolong Maiden will make the audience remember you forever, which is not something ordinary films can compare to."

Lin Nan was telling the truth. Since this drama, Liu Yifei truly established her foundation for more than ten years, as stable as Mount Tai.

Seeing her expression was a bit off, "You don't want me to act in your film?"

Don't turn your eyes red, and don't glare at me; I'm doing this for your consideration.

Lin Nan was a bit panicked. "My films will have many, but there is only one Zheng Xiaolong Maiden, and I think it must be you."

It was a close call, but the young lady still said, let Lin Nan save it for her first, just in case she wasn't chosen.

Don't worry, it's definitely you.

Zhu Yawen was listening to a new song again. Two years ago, a snow, if nothing unexpected happened, this guy would explode in popularity this year.

At this year's Berlin Film Festival, there was nothing for the domestic side.

On QQ chat, Lin Nan heard that Zhang Mo had been expelled; the water was too deep.

"Lin Dao, your work is almost finished, right?" Yan Danchen asked.

Lin Nan looked up at Chang'e and nodded. "Yes, I will leave the crew first. When the wrap-up banquet comes, if I have time, I will come."

Two days ago, the media found out about Lin Nan's new film from official sources. Now more people knew, and recently people in the crew started to probe.

"When are you preparing to hold public auditions?"

This sentence was asked with a level of skill, blocking one of Lin Nan's retreats.

"I will prepare immediately after my work is finished. I will consider inviting you then, if Senior Sister also has the schedule."

Yan Danchen thought for a moment. "Then give me a spot."

"Okay, no problem."

Lin Nan started filming in early February. Among the three directors, his work was the least. According to the plan, he could finish and leave by the end of March.

Lin Nan also had to consider a lot. In terms of seniority, he couldn't compare to people like Zhang Yimou. Of course, the film investment couldn't reach their level either.

Nowadays, Zhang Yimou's status was already at the international level, especially with *Hero* preparing for release in North America. Recently, I heard he was filming *House of Flying Daggers* abroad, and the investment was scary again.

If I remember correctly, in the second half of the year, three blockbuster films were bunched together: *House of Flying Daggers*, *A World Without Thieves*, and Zhou Xingchi's *Kung Fu*.

Lin Nan warned himself that he still had to wait. He needed to accumulate two more films and completely establish his name and influence before he could touch big films.

Or copy a ruthless one and go win an award.

Putting his mind back to work, the blackened Xiaoyu's styling was also very beautiful, and she cooperated with Erlang Shen.

In general, TV dramas are indeed more worry-free than films. The small screen doesn't have strict requirements for the actors' micro-expressions, unlike films.

Plus, Jiao Enjun and Watching Shu Chang were both veteran actors. Lin Nan was almost a tool man; the word he said the most was "Pass," not "Cut." Even if he shouted "Cut," it was because the props team or extras had problems.

The filming was surprisingly smooth. Before the 10th of March, Lin Nan's line was about to end, but the other two lines had to be handed over to Director Zhao and Director Yu to continue until the final wrap-up.

"Old Zhu, don't blame brother, this time I can't wait for you."

Looking at the shooting plan in Director Zhao's hand, the crew's wrap-up would be in early May.

"Goodbye, Lin Dao."

"Goodbye, everyone."

Returning to the hotel in the evening, many people said goodbye to Lin Nan in advance; they might not be able to say goodbye the next day, as the crew had to get up at dawn.

"I'm going back to school."

Lin Nan invited Liu Yifei out for a late-night snack; Jiang Xin accompanied her. This guy had a great appetite, and eating for free was even more ruthless.

*Chinese Paladin* would wrap up in June. Recently, Zhang Jizhong had started releasing news on the *Return of the Condor Heroes* side, preparing to hype it up.

Liu Yifei ate a banana and didn't touch the barbecue. Jiang Xin ate very happily; she was pulled out by Liu Yifei to provide cover.

"Are you going to start this film when you go back?"

Lin Nan nodded. He was still preparing to be a fast shooter, releasing at the latest for National Day. In July there was *House of Flying Daggers*, and in December were *A World Without Thieves* and *Kung Fu*.

Only *Kekexili* in October was easy to bully. This was an award-chasing film, which meant the box office wouldn't be good. Since you want awards, then give me the box office.

It could be seen that Liu Yifei really wanted to film a movie with Lin Nan. "Time can't wait for you; I think it will be released in October at the latest."

Liu Yifei understood after hearing this; she really couldn't participate.

"Then I wish you all the best."

"Thank you, one day, I will invite you to be the female lead." This was Lin Nan's heartfelt words.

"Okay, don't lie to me, otherwise I won't let you off." Saying that, she bared her little tiger teeth.

The next day, Lin Nan left Hengdian.

On the way, he sent a few texts and made a few calls; it was time to make an appointment to see the financier.

The school teachers had hinted to Lin Nan that China Film Group couldn't be bypassed. Lin Nan didn't think about going it alone with Shanghai Film Group this time either.

The production cost of *Returning to Youth* wasn't high; it was originally a low-cost fantasy film.

Lin Nan roughly estimated that the production cost would only be 20 million ten years later. Putting it in '04, 10 million was already a lot, but he still wanted 20 million; he had to have a director's salary somehow.

For *Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind*, he didn't take a director's salary, only counting the investment dividends and lead actor's salary. At that time, influenced by Li Yang, he put everything into the film and didn't think that much.

On March 12th, Lin Nan met with Shanghai Film Group, China Film Group, and Enlight Media, which took the initiative to join in, at his small company.

The one from Shanghai Film Group was the same one as last time; being the first to arrive, Lin Nan invited him into his office.

The dividends for *Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind* had come down, and Lin Nan had also filled the necessary positions; at the very least, he found two girls for the front desk, and the salary wasn't low.

The person from China Film Group startled Lin Nan—the next leader, the current Vice Han Zong Sanping, and Enlight was also a Vice President.

So this was a circle; there were many Lin Nan didn't know, but there were always intermediaries who could bring messages to Lin Nan, and his social circle would expand because of this.

In the office, the four started dividing the shares.

Lin Nan reported a cost of 20 million. The big brother from Shanghai Film Group was about to speak, but was preempted by Han Zong. "Little Lin Dao is a student of the Film Academy, with experience and achievements. How is the 20 million cost divided? I suppose you have a plan?"

Lin Nan looked at the depressed expression on the Shanghai Film Group side and understood. Who let the person here have a higher status, and it was the home field.

"I invest 3 million, plus the director's salary, I want 30%." Lin Nan set himself a salary of 5 million. This wasn't high, but it was a bit empty, so he only wanted 30% of the share.

He had an impression that Director Feng Xiaogang made over 10 million from *A World Without Thieves*, and that was how he did it.

Several people looked at Lin Nan, questioning his tone of wanting 30%.

Considering that the project was controlled by Lin Nan and the crew was organized by him, setting his own salary slightly higher seemed understandable.

"Lin Dao is very confident in this film?" the Enlight person asked.

"Yes." Lin Nan drank some water.

"Shanghai Film Group invests 5 million, wants 30%, and we are old friends with Lin Dao." That old brother spoke up.

Han Zong was on a mission, Enlight had established a relationship, Shanghai Film Group's 5 million for 30% was very reasonable, and others had a better relationship with Lin Nan than them. ===== CHAPTER 17 =====