Chapter 757: Casting Begins; Director La's Probe

Events like the Bazaar Celebrity Charity Gala often best reflect the current state of the film and entertainment industry;

Top-tier actors and stars in the industry may not have the time or schedule to attend, but those who do appear are certainly no small fry or faded artists; at the very least, they start from the mid-tier of the second line in the industry.

And last night, the total amount of funds raised, nearly double last year's figure of just over forty million, reaching more than seventy-five million, bluntly explained one thing;

That is: money in the film and entertainment circle is getting easier and easier to make! Only if actors and stars earn more can they possibly donate a bit more, right?

However, Liu Liu Yifei's experience at this Bazaar gala might not have been very good, because after returning, she specifically complained to Lin Nan, saying the auction items were becoming less and less interesting.

In the past, jewelry, luxury handbags, and antique collectibles occupied the vast majority, and everyone liked them, especially female artists;

But this year, inexplicably, ninety percent of the auction items were advertising resources, modern paintings, or directly works by someone in the circle, full of a capital atmosphere, hmm, and also schemes.

After hearing this, Lin Nan understood immediately; wasn't it exactly at this stage? Afterwards, he jokingly analyzed it for Miss Liu and even offered suggestions:

"It will only become more and more skewed towards commercial and capital operations in the future, because the film industry has become so prosperous that it is critically ill, naturally breeding more dark sides;

Don't go to the Bazaar Charity Gala anymore; donating anywhere is the same. With that time, you might as well invite Shu Chang and the others to go shopping; you can pick out things you like yourselves..."

Lin Dao Da's words made Liu Liu Yifei really think them over carefully, and then she nodded very approvingly, "Mm, then I won't go anymore. It has changed flavor; it's no fun."

The next day, early morning.

The morning sun had not yet shown its face, and the time was not even eight o'clock, but the internet was already flooded with lengthy film and entertainment news.

"The 73rd Venice International Film Festival concluded successfully in the early hours of domestic time; the Chinese-language film 'Bitter Money' won the Best Screenplay Award in the Horizons section..."

"A large number of Chinese film professionals have departed from Venice, Toronto, and other places, heading for the San Sebastian International Film Festival, which will officially open in six days..."

"Jointly produced by the Naval Political Department, China Film, Shanghai Film, and Lin Nan Pictures, co-directed by directors Guo Fan and Lu Yang, and supervised by director Lin Nan;

The naval military-themed mainstream commercial blockbuster 'Operation Red Sea' will begin auditions this morning at Lin Nan Pictures, officially opening the casting."

"It is understood that multiple media outlets and numerous entertainment reporters have gathered near the Lin Nan Pictures company building; many vehicles of industry actors and studios have arrived successively..."

"Representatives from the three producing parties—the Naval Political Department, China Film, and Shanghai Film, along with directors Guo Fan and Lu Yang, successively appeared before the cameras and entered the company... Security personnel stood in rows downstairs, with strict confidentiality measures..."

As the news said, the area downstairs was indeed lively, even to the point of being crowded.

Especially the business vans of the actors and artists, which took up the most space, and between every two of them there was a tacit understanding to keep at least three to five meters apart, quite showing a posture of 'kings not meeting kings'!

Tiangong Color, outside the office area.

Lin Nan, yawning, watched the crowd of heads downstairs with Ning Hao; he had no interest whatsoever in joining the commotion on the third floor.

"When I just arrived, I was startled by this scene. I stood stunned for a few seconds before remembering, 'Operation Red Sea' is auditioning today!" Ning Hao said with a self-mocking smile, his eyes fixed tightly on the scene below.

"I drove my family's BMW today to keep a low profile, and even then I almost got blocked."

While Lin Nan was speaking, he saw several business vans downstairs open their doors, and several actors got out, presumably heading up to the third floor.

"Is that Wang Kai from Noon Sun? Top-tier young star Zhang Zhang Yixing? Hmm? Huang Dong Xuan shouldn't he be filming 'The Monster Hunt' in Tang Cheng over there? When did Director Chen become so easy to talk to?"

Facing Ning Hao's confusion, Lin Nan did not respond immediately; instead, he continued watching the commotion downstairs as several security guards blocked a group of reporters who were chasing up.

"It's just an audition, not double-casting. Moreover, the progress of 'The Monster Hunt' should already be over halfway."

"Your company's people shouldn't be scheduled for today, right?" Ning Hao glanced over.

Upon hearing this, Lin Nan chuckled: "I'm not stupid; it's definitely for later. Even if it's the most suitable, we still have to put on a show."

"Mm, that's true. Look, another faded child star; I remember this Xie Miao, didn't he play a supporting role in your 'Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy'?"

Following Ning Hao's words, Lin Nan took a close look; it really was Xie Miao. "He indeed played a supporting role in 'Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy'; it's a pity for a child star, he is very suitable for playing a soldier."

"Only movies from your company can give these people a chance; out there, they can't get any good resources; even supporting roles are hard to get!"

"Let's go in; help you speed up the work, try to finish the final cut of 'The Second Generation of Fairies' in these two days, and don't wait until around the 15th." Lin Nan did not reply but turned and walked into Tiangong Color.

The auditions and casting for 'Operation Red Sea' attracted the attention of the entire film circle;

But on the first day of auditions, the entire day passed with only Guo Fan, Lu Yang, and people from the Naval Political Department, China Film, and Shanghai Film present; Lin Nan did not show his face from start to finish.

On one side was the film post-production, on the other was the storyboard for 'Dying to Survive'; Lin Dao Da really had no mind to wander around the large conference room on the third floor.

As for the auditions and such, let them be for now; having him there wouldn't add much, and missing him wouldn't subtract much!

With 'The Dead End' about to be released, when Lin Nan returned home in the afternoon, he still had not taken off his headphones... The person on the other end of the phone was Cao Cao Baoping.

The latter possessed a virtue that many other directors did not have: namely, a full understanding and positioning of his own films, and never having delusional fantasies about box office returns.

He tactfully told Lin Nan that he was not very optimistic about the box office and hoped Lin Nan would be mentally prepared. Actually, Wang Wang Changtian had already said this to Lin Nan before, but it didn't matter...

Because the Shanghai International Film Festival is also a Category A festival; films winning awards there, when taken out, might not necessarily sell for a very high copyright price, but they will definitely break even!

"For the last 10 days, Teacher Cao, just rest; no need to run promotions anymore; when the time comes, we'll just make the premiere ceremony grand."

"You are so calm. However, I have another matter to tell you; after 'The Dead End' finishes its run, I have decided to take a two-year break."

Lin Nan was stunned, then immediately smiled and agreed: "This is Teacher Cao's freedom; after all, you still have teaching duties; your main job is as a professor in the Literature Department."

"Mainly, I am almost 50, and my body can't quite handle it anymore. When I've rested enough and am preparing the next film, I'll come trouble you again, haha..."

"That's no problem at all. I made the same promise to Sister Xue; you can come find me anytime."

"That's good; see you at the premiere."

"Mm, see you at the premiere."

Walking into the villa, Lin Nan did not see Liu Liu Yifei; he called out once but no one responded. So, he turned and walked next door; she must be with Liu Liu Xiaoli.

Sure enough, as soon as he entered, Lin Dao Da saw Producer Liu holding the calico cat and answering the phone; seeing her serious expression, he figured it must be serious business.

A short while later, after Liu Liu Yifei said "Okay" and "No problem" several times in a row, she hung up the phone.

"What's the matter? You look so excited." Lin Nan put his arm around her shoulder and asked curiously.

"It was Director Yan Fei's call; he said 'Yin Yin Xiuxiu's Iron Fist' is in the batch to be announced tomorrow, asking Hongxing Wu to cooperate in issuing the announcement; the film is to officially start the project and begin casting."

"He is tactfully reminding you: Producer Liu, it's time to transfer the money! Haha..."

Lin Nan couldn't help but make a teasing remark; Liu Liu Yifei immediately realized, rolled her eyes at him with a smile, "It seems it is time to transfer the money, huh? Hehe..."

"At nine o'clock in the morning, the Film Bureau announced the latest list of approved scripts; the second comedy film from Kai Xin Ma Hua, 'Yin Yin Xiuxiu's Iron Fist', was prominently featured on the list..."

"Happy Happy Mahua and Red Star Harbor Pictures jointly announced: co-produced by both companies, produced by Happy Happy Mahua, directed and written by Song Yang, the film 'Yin Yin Xiuxiu's Iron Fist' has officially been approved and is in preparation;

The film will star Alan and Ma Li, with Shen Teng, Tian Yu, and others in leading roles. The remaining roles will be open to auditions from the film and television industry starting today..."

"This morning, several films including 'A Chinese Odyssey Part 3', 'Soul Mate', 'The White Storm 2', and 'My War' held high-profile premiere ceremonies in Beijing..."

China Film Group, Chairman's Office.

Ever since Han Han Sanping ruthlessly rejected Beside La La Peikang over the phone that day, the latter had been choking on a lump of anger for days, stuck between rising and falling, feeling utterly blocked.

What was the difference between those words and a slap in the face? None at all!

A knock suddenly sounded, startling Beside La La Peikang, who had been browsing online film and television news with a cold expression; he had been waiting for his secretary for a while.

"Come in."

"Chairman La, Director Zhang Zhang Yimou and General Manager Zhang have arrived."

"Hmm? So early? Then please show them in." Realizing it wasn't the matter he was waiting for, Beside La La Peikang felt slightly disappointed.

"Chairman La, I've found out." Upon hearing this, Chairman La's expression instantly softened a bit, no longer as solemn as before.

In less than two minutes, Zhang Zhang Yimou and Zhang Zhao entered the office together.

Clearly different from their last meeting, although Zhang Zhang Yimou still maintained his usual air of calm composure, Zhang Zhao looked utterly exhausted. Beside La La Peikang knew very well that LeEco was having a hard time.

"Official promotion for 'The Great Wall' can begin now. I'll have to trouble Director Zhang to lead the team on trips back and forth between domestic and international markets."

"Chairman La is too polite; this is what a director should do, especially given such a high production cost." Zhang Zhang Yimou smiled and nodded; he had recently received an award as the director of the cultural performance at the Hangzhou Summit!

"What about the Oscars? Has it been decided?"

"Universal has confirmed; the February Oscar Awards ceremony will not miss an invitation for 'The Great Wall' crew. Additionally, for the North American market promotion, starting from the awards season, they will be in charge," Zhang Zhao replied.

Beside La La Peikang had invited Zhang Zhang Yimou and the LeEco people over today specifically to discuss matters related to 'The Great Wall'.

Inside the office, over the course of more than an hour, the three of them successively finalized a series of matters including promotion, distribution, theatrical release, efforts to secure an extension of the secret key at that time, and the overseas market.

Until ten in the morning, after finishing the main business, Beside La La Peikang finally looked at Zhang Zhao and asked tentatively:

"Does LeEco have any intention to sell its portion of 'The Great Wall'? I know you've recently had some financial difficulties, haven't you?"

As soon as the words landed, the smile vanished from Zhang Zhao's face; Zhang Zhang Yimou even instinctively looked at the former, trying to gauge the specific situation inside LeEco from his response.

At this very moment, Beside La La Peikang, wearing a smile, had completely "forgotten" Tong Gang's previous instruction to him: make a clean break with LeEco regarding the 'The Great Wall' project, handle it as official business only, and maintain no "personal connections"!

Because in his view, LeEco was now meat on the chopping block; the outcome was already decided!

"Chairman La is joking again. For such a huge project, such a high-quality project, selling it now would be like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs, wouldn't it? Once the movie is released, won't our stock price get a boost? Such a huge bargain, China Film Group can't eat it all, right? Hehe..."

Zhang Zhao forced a smile and tried to make a joke to break the awkward situation before them.

Selling would undoubtedly be drinking poison to quench thirst! Because the pit... was too big, too deep! They could only gamble, gamble on 'The Great Wall'...

This response made Beside La La Peikang's smile pause for an instant, but he showed no unusual expression, merely nodding in agreement. Meanwhile, Zhang Zhang Yimou felt considerably more at ease in his heart, inexplicably at ease.

Beside La La Peikang saw this and couldn't help but feel a bit of regret. Although he wanted to give Zhang Zhang Yimou a hint, after thinking it over, he abandoned the idea; it would be of no use...

Shortly after, having sent the two away, Beside La La Peikang shook his head lightly and sat back in his chair; failing to get LeEco's portion was truly a pity!

Now that China Film Group Co., Ltd. has gone public, 'The Great Wall' is no longer just something that can provide political achievements... financial market "performance" can also be achieved.

"Speak."

"Chairman Han's script is a medical theme; there is absolutely no precedent in China. It's very bold, involving so many aspects that I even feel a bit..."

"Be more specific!" Hearing this, Beside La La Peikang couldn't help but frown.

"Chairman La, it's that 'Lu Yong Incident' that caused a sensation in the health and judicial systems! It was mentioned and debated at the conference..."

In an instant, Beside La La Peikang clenched his teeth.

For a state-owned enterprise, this is a true "major project"! Merely successfully getting the project approved is an undeniable achievement, something that can unquestionably be written into various reports... let alone producing the final film.

"Chairman Han, you are truly..."

The secretary instantly became deaf, hearing nothing at all.

Lin Nan had taken Liu Liu Yifei out for a stroll because today was another holiday. Hmm, Director Ning had also given himself a holiday; everyone was just gathering for a meal, and Huang Bo was there too.

'The Great White Shark' only lacks one final special effects shot; barring any unexpected issues, it will be finished tomorrow, completing the final cut!

Reclining half-way in a chair, Lin Nan was forced to take Yue Jun's call, which was truly a mood-killer. Meanwhile, Liu Liu Yifei was with Xing Ai and the others, bustling about preparing food; it was a picnic today.

"So, Guo Fan has cast the first actor, Xie Miao?"

"Yes, Guo Dao said he can give him a supporting role that's fairly prominent. Lin Dao, is there any problem? Or should we cut it?"

"No problem. Since Guo Dao has decided, let's give him a supporting role."

"Alright. By the way, Luo Jin is currently in line; he should be able to audition in a little while. Tang Yan seems to be accompanying him in his car."

"Hmm, Director Lu Yang will arrange it. Is there anything else? If not, I'll hang up."

"Um... Yang Mi, Hu Ge, and the others seem to have all arrived."

"What kind of joke is that? Do you expect her to be out there drifting for over half a year? And her acting skills right now... handle it as official business only. Besides, Hu Ge completely lacks that temperament... same thing, handle it as official business only!"

Lin Nan was so angry he almost laughed; what were they all thinking? Did they come here to buy lottery tickets?

"Alright, I understand. I'll talk to Guo Dao and Director Lu later, so I won't disturb Lin Dao and Liu Yifei on their holiday, haha..."