Chapter 251: A Person's…

Skyworks Color.

Lin Nan checked the progress of the special effects production for "Passengers."

"Lin Dao, according to the work plan, the special effects for this film can be completely finished by the end of February."

"Mm, that's good. By the way, what about Enlight's 'The Four Great Constables'?"

"It was delivered to them half a month ago."

……

Lin Nan had just arranged the editing work for "Bad Genius" when an employee came in to tell him Xu Zheng had arrived.

Two years had already passed since the last time they finished filming "Lost on Journey."

A few days earlier, Xu Zheng had received a call from Yue Jun, and afterward he had been unable to calm his excited, thrilled mood and state.

"Lost on Journey" had let him successfully transition. What about the sequel? He hoped to take it a step further!

"Lin Dao."

Seeing Lin Nan come in, Xu Zheng immediately stood up.

"Sit."

Lin Nan casually pointed at the sofa and walked straight behind the desk. He took the script he had prepared in advance out of the drawer.

"Back when 'Lost on Journey' finished its theatrical run, you said that when we made the sequel, you hoped the company would give you a chance."

"Yes, thank you, Lin Dao." Xu Zheng nodded, very solemn.

"Since it's still 'Lost,' I definitely hope the style stays the same, keeps going, and even does better."

Lin Nan smiled, handed the script to Xu Zheng, and the latter took it with both hands.

"'Lost in Thailand'?!"

"A 'Lost' script like this is best suited for changing the map. The story can be new, as long as the style stays the same. Hehe…"

After Lin Nan finished speaking, Xu Zheng began flipping through the script, reading it very carefully.

In this industry, to truly make it to the top, you must have ability; opportunity comes second. Otherwise, even if you're given a chance, it won't do you any good.

And in Lin Nan's view, Xu Zheng was someone with ability, and very good at seizing opportunities. Besides, he had enough ambition.

More than half an hour later, Xu Zheng closed the script.

"Lin Dao, are the main actors still the original cast?" Xu Zheng asked, guessing.

"Yes, Yue Jun has already gotten in touch with them for you — they're your old partners, Wang Wang Baoqiang and Huang Bo. The rest of the cast, you decide yourself."

Hearing the two names Lin Nan said, Xu Zheng breathed a sigh of relief.

The next second, he broke into a smile again. "Lin Dao, can Liu Yifei make a cameo?"

Lin Nan's eyes instantly went wide as he looked at Xu Zheng — well, well, quite the smooth operator!

"Sure!" Lin Nan agreed.

"But there's one more thing I need to give you a heads-up on in advance. Be mentally prepared."

"Please go ahead, Lin Dao."

"I've arranged an executive director for you — a newcomer who's never worked in this industry before. Show them the ropes."

Xu Zheng's brow furrowed slightly, an uneasy look crossing his face.

He ventured weakly, "A woman?"

In Xu Zheng's view, Lin Nan, being a world-famous director and a man with a girlfriend, wouldn't brazenly do something like that, would he?

Looking at Xu Zheng's expression and the look in his eyes, Lin Nan knew he wasn't thinking anything good!

"Han Dong's daughter! A first-year graduate student in the Directing Department at Beijing Film Academy. He personally called me to make the request."

Xu Zheng suddenly understood, a different gleam flashing in his eyes.

"Don't worry, Lin Dao. I'll definitely take good care of her."

These were extraordinary connections! Xu Zheng muttered to himself.

"By the way, the company has already worked out the budget — thirty million, with the promotional costs to be calculated separately later.

The script was submitted for review before the New Year. You can go ahead and prepare the storyboards and other things with peace of mind. Once we start shooting this time, keep the efficiency up…"

More than an hour later, Xu Zheng left Lin Nan Pictures in high spirits, script for "Lost in Thailand" in hand.

…………

The eyes of the industry were all drawn to the Film Academy.

Beijing Film Academy made a big move, sending invitations to the entire Class of '78, who had graduated thirty years ago, asking them to return to the school.

The ostensible purpose was to celebrate the 30th anniversary of graduation for the first batch of students admitted after the resumption of enrollment, with the date set for the few days before the new semester.

And the Class of '78 was currently the most formidable group of "big names" in the domestic entertainment industry.

Among them, the "Fifth Generation" directors drew the most attention — Chen Chen Kaige, Zhang Zhang Yimou, Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang, Gu Gu Changwei, Li Li Shaohong, Wu Ziniu…

The result was that large numbers of art-exam students staked out the scene in advance, hoping to gain the slimmest chance of recognition and opportunity.

Because word had already spread — although this was nominally a Class of '78 gathering at the school, in reality, those invited back were far more than just those people.

There were also large numbers of already-graduated directors and producers from other classes, and even more young actors who had graduated from Beijing Film Academy — the backbone of the industry and its rising generation.

What was the purpose? To those in the industry, it was already obvious.

The school personally organized the gathering and set the stage, letting Beijing Film Academy's actors network and build connections with their own graduated directors and producers…

Some media reports were very blunt:

"The Film Academy intends to form a small circle and handle things internally. This will seriously undermine the little 'fairness' left in the entertainment industry and create barriers…"

Even the Central Academy of Drama and the Shanghai Theatre Academy began issuing 'condemnations' — after all, Beijing Film Academy had indeed 'monopolized' the industry's director and producer resources.

Both Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei had received invitations.

"Really not going?" Miss Liu asked, puzzled.

"The teacher said, if we can avoid wading into this muddy water, we shouldn't go."

"It's all about pulling strings, forming cliques, and putting profit first; there won't be a lack of sordidness."

Lin Nan relayed Tian Tian Zhuangzhuang's exact words.

The current school leadership is too eager for quick success; they truly want to build Beijing Film Academy's own circle, regardless of whether it benefits the industry.

"Then we need to find a reason."

"You have a call for work and can't leave; I'm busy with post-production editing."

…………

Lin Nan was summoned by Ning Hao to Bad Monkey and met Zhong Zhong Lifang.

"If you don't speak up, I'll almost forget about the ten million I invested in you."

Ning Hao had called Lin Nan over to discuss the release date of "The Golden Casket".

"Lin Dao, long time no see."

"President Zhong, I heard Han Dong say you invested in Ang Lee's 'The Crossing'?"

Lin Nan asked with interest; having raised so much money, Pony is very rich now!

Hearing this, Zhong Zhong Lifang was obviously delighted:

"Lin Dao is right; we did invest in 'The Crossing'. It's a great project. We secured it only after some fierce competition a few days ago."

Lin Nan smiled and offered congratulations, though a hint of sympathy lingered in his eyes.

"Your 'Passengers' won't be released in the first half of the year, right?" Ning Hao got straight to the point.

"The earliest would be the summer slot."

"That's good. I plan to release 'The Golden Casket' at the end of April, aiming for the May Day slot."

"Of course, no problem."

Lin Nan agreed. This timing is excellent; the later it goes, the more blockbusters there will be, especially imported ones.

The new China-US film import agreement seems to be under negotiation, with results imminent.

……

As they chatted, Zhong Zhong Lifang asked about the special effects company.

Lin Nan listened with a racing heart; Pony is taking steps that are perhaps too big!

"We don't plan to build our own like Lin Dao's Tiangong Color; we plan to buy an existing one."

"Do you have a target?"

"We are selecting; there are many such companies in Hollywood..."

"Then I wish you success."

…………

How much did the star-studded "Special Identity" attract media attention?

Hmm, perhaps just like "The Warring States" back then!

After all, the combination of Donnie Yen and Zhao Zhao Wenzhuo was indeed very talk-worthy, especially the latter, a genuine Martial Hero level.

A large number of actors, artists, and production companies in the film and television circle would attend to show support. After all, with such star power, there was real money!

Liu Liu Yifei was getting her makeup done while Lin Nan made a phone call outside.

Huang Bo and Wang Wang Baoqiang had both already received the script.

"Lin Dao, the schedule after 'Lost in Thailand' is still open."

Wang Wang Baoqiang's voice came from the other end of the line.

Lin Nan could imagine his expression; he must have smiled before even speaking. That's a good habit.

"Before 'Lost in Thailand' wraps, don't promise that schedule to anyone else. No problem, right?"

"Ah?"

Wang Wang Baoqiang was stunned for a moment, then immediately smiled and agreed:

"No problem, no problem. Lin Dao, I've already left Huayi and can make my own decisions..."

"That's good. If things go smoothly, there will be another film afterwards."

Lin Nan stopped there, chatted a few more sentences, and then hung up the phone.

…………

The kickoff press conference for "Special Identity" was indeed as lively as Lin Nan had imagined.

After Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei arrived, people greeting them came in an endless stream.

"Liu Yifei, over here."

"I'm going to Xie Nan's side; you play by yourself."

Miss Liu acted like a patron, gave Lin Nan a sweet smile, then waved him off mercilessly, heading toward Xie Nan and Liu Yan. Hmm, quite a lot of food there.

Lin Nan headed straight for Wang Wang Changtian and Han Han Sanping.

"Han Dong, please notify your daughter later; the crew is preparing to start filming in early March. Prepare well this month."

"Such efficiency! No problem."

Wang Wang Changtian was a bit confused. "What movie? How do I not know about this?"

"The second part of the 'Lost' series. Distribution can be handed to Enlight."

Hearing this, Wang Wang Changtian instantly beamed. "Good news. Handing it to Enlight, you can rest assured."

Han Han Sanping opened his mouth. "'Passengers' and 'The Bad Kids' should go to China Film."

This was not a question, but a statement!

Wang Wang Changtian wanted to object, but then held back; he couldn't afford to provoke him.

……

The launch press conference was quite grand. Lin Nan stood together with Han Han Sanping and Wang Wang Changtian.

He suddenly discovered that the action director of this film, Starlight Brilliant, was actually Zhen Starring Zhen Zidan!

……

During the cocktail party, Lin Nan found Zhao Zhao Wenzhuo. The two of them held wine glasses and chatted for a few words in a corner.

"May to July? I'm available, Lin Dao."

Zhao Zhao Wenzhuo nodded seriously. He didn't want to miss this opportunity. Lin Nan Pictures' films had always had a guaranteed reputation, and he himself hadn't had a film worth showing off in a long time.

"Alright, then this matter is settled. You can come to my company to sign the contract later."

The two of them spoke in low voices; almost no one around dared to come over and eavesdrop.

"Thank you, Lin Dao."

"Aren't you going to ask what film it is?"

"No need to ask. I trust that Lin Dao's company's films will definitely not be bad."

Lin Nan was quite astonished, then smiled and nodded. As expected, Zhao Zhao Wenzhuo wasn't completely without emotional intelligence!

Between the two action films, Lin Nan ultimately settled on "Kung Fu Jungle."

For this film, what Lin Nan actually looked forward to more was Wang Wang Baoqiang. This kind of pathological role, the latter was really quite adept at.

When he had watched "Hello! Mr. Tree" at the premiere back then, Lin Nan had immediately thought of "Kung Fu Jungle." After going back, he specifically spent a few days and wrote out the script.

Now he just had to wait for Director Lu Yang to return from his trip abroad, and then he could have him prepare this film.

Lin Nan still remembered that guy's tone on the phone:

"Kung Fu, of course, is about freedom not being bound. Let me play around for one more month, adjust my condition to the best, and when I come back I'll prepare. Anyway, there's still plenty of time…"

Lin Nan didn't even know what to say, and could only quip, "Red-light district, don't wander around too much…"

…………

(End of this chapter)