Chapter 921

After three months of casting, the television debut "The Rise of Phoenixes," which Zhang Ziyi participated in as a producer and investor and in which she starred for the first time, finally announced its final cast list to the outside world on the morning of the 5th.

Zhang Ziyi, Zhou Yiwei, Yu Hewei, Yang Youning, Yuan Hong, Zuo Xiaoqing... Zhao Yazhi, Hui Yinghong, Wang Ji...

Looking at the massive lineup of over thirty well-known actors in this grand period drama, the word "extravagant" is undoubtedly interpreted to the fullest; it is not at all inferior to "The Rise of Phoenixes" starring Chen Kun and Ni Ni, and even surpasses it by a few notches.

Countless netizens across the web are sighing and looking forward to it, as expected of a television series with an investment budget as high as 700 million; it is a full 200 million more than that "The Rise of Phoenixes" starring Chen Kun and Ni Ni!

Lin Nan and Liu Yifei did not pay attention to the film and television news online, because the two of them were leading their assistants and taking 5 people from the Disney team to visit their own manor villa.

"Lin, Crystal, if such a large villa were in Hollywood, the annual necessary expenses alone would be a huge sum. Your country's legal policies are better, without that damn annual property tax."

Tang Mu's drinking buddy was holding his phone and filming those two black swans, cursing while filming. The several colleagues beside him were all in full agreement.

"Competition is competition, cooperation is cooperation. The situation Crystal Pictures is currently facing does not stem from peers in Hollywood... I hope you understand this point."

The person leading the team suddenly changed the tone of the conversation and brought up matters in Hollywood, and the atmosphere at the scene suddenly became somewhat awkward.

Lin Nan could read the emotion in Liu Yifei's eyes: "How can this person have no emotional intelligence at all? Bringing up the very thing one shouldn't!"

"Of course I understand, Tang Mu can still handle it." Lin Nan replied with a smile, then immediately cut to the main topic: "It's about time, let's go sit in the pavilion by the lake, there is coffee and tea there, just right for discussing serious matters."

"Good, work is important." For a moment, the 5 people nodded one after another.

Not long after, a group of people sat around a round table.

The aroma of freshly ground coffee had already risen, and there were even several plates of exquisite traditional pastries on the table.

The first thing was Liu Yifei's matter, and the people from the Disney team said very rigorously:

"In order to strive for the realism and power of action scenes and female generals on the battlefield that do not lose to men, Crystal must have another half year of professional training, especially in equestrianism, archery, physical fitness, strength, and explosive power. In addition, regarding martial arts training, you need to decide it yourself, Lin, including inviting the martial arts and action design directors you think are suitable..."

Although he knew about this matter early on, hearing this requirement again at this moment, Lin Nan couldn't help but feel nervous inside: this is deadly.

"This point is absolutely no problem, I quite like exercising." Well, Liu Yifei was in an eager-to-try mood, she is trying to take Lin Nan's life!

"There is also the salary contract, Crystal, you should give us your choice?"

"I choose the 'fixed salary + percentage share' method." Liu Yifei looked at Lin Nan first, and then gave the answer decisively. This was something the two had discussed beforehand.

"Can do. One-time salary plus additional share."

Actually, regarding Liu Yifei, this female lead, there were not many things the Disney team needed to coordinate and instruct, because she was just a female lead, and the focus and the big part were here with Lin Nan;

After all, the director's work is a lot, especially since Lin Nan put forward requirements that completely violated Hollywood traditions and conventions... but Lin Nan was indeed the best choice at the moment.

"Lin, we agree to your script requirements. That is the script plan you mentioned last time, to create a script based on that poem."

With just one sentence, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei subconsciously looked at each other, they really agreed?!

"But we also have our own requirements, we want to accept the script."

"No problem." Lin Nan nodded immediately. "In addition, I can also guarantee that my crew and behind-the-scenes creative team will tell you what thousands of years of cultural heritage are, as well as the sense of weight of the film.

If a foreign director were brought in, this film would at most be a Disney film. And if I create it, then it will not be a simple film, you will see the 'power of the collective.'

The official resources I can invite will be many, many, and many universities and state-owned enterprises will also be very willing to actively provide help. Of course, the film must make a solemn acknowledgment in the closing credits."

"You are the most expensive Chinese director, because you are the youngest but already have such achievements; and you have never taken on foreign plays..." The person leading the Disney team nodded and took over Lin Nan's words.

"Yes, I have indeed never taken on foreign plays. But 'Mulan' is different, it is a Chinese character and story, it is best for a Chinese director to direct it... In the case of having a choice, we don't want to be disgusted by outsiders." Lin Nan used a slightly humorous tone to tease.

"Lin, Crystal, we will hold a global media project launch conference for 'Mulan' at the end of November, and will announce the candidates for director and female lead to the outside world on that day.

Before this, I hope you two can keep it confidential, and I also hope you try not to let relevant rumors appear on the Chinese internet. I know you have this influence, Lin."

Lin Nan nodded with a smile, which counted as agreeing. He really didn't expect beforehand that today would go so smoothly.

"Starting from the beginning of December, you need to lead people to complete the script creation, including team building;

In addition, you also need to organize the history and archaeology scholars from the old-brand film studios and universities you once promised us, to work together to perfect the era construction of 'Mulan' under the entire ancient background of your country;

From architecture, clothing, humanities, geography, cold weapons, to military, culture, systems, elements, etc., consider all aspects in a balanced way, build the framework and cornerstone of the film, and try to be as meticulous as possible..."

At this moment, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei were both stunned. This foreigner has a really good memory, actually repeating what Lin Nan said back in June almost exactly!

"Lin, you only have half a year, not only to complete these, but also to complete casting, finalizing roles, location scouting, and the formulation and planning of shooting time, we will send a team to join the crew to supervise. Crystal's training also needs to be carried out simultaneously..."

"Lin, give us your choice of salary method."

"Fixed salary + percentage share." Lin Nan spat out a few words.

"Good."

"The production cost of this 'Mulan' is 200 million US dollars, and we will announce it together at the press conference at the end of November.

Before this, we will also notify you of the specific time, you need to set your itinerary and rush to attend the press conference. In addition, the film contracts with the two also need to be signed as soon as possible..."

The Disney team and Lin Nan and Liu Yifei really chatted for a whole morning, the other party was obviously prepared, and the large number of instructions and details were simply read out one by one according to the script.

They completely gave people an illusion, that is, they were afraid that the director and female lead of the 200 million US dollar big production film they set would have any mistakes!

Lunch time, "A Cool Fish" crew.

"Are you sure they met this morning?" Han Sanping asked Han Jia in a low voice while eating the crew's lunch.

"Hmm, it's today." Little Han's attention shifted from the after-meal fruit platter to her own father. She knew what Han Sanping was concerned about, and was thinking about finding work for her.

"Let's talk about it after we wrap up and go back, there shouldn't be a shortage of odd jobs there." Han Jia actively brought up serious matters very rarely, which made Han Sanping show a surprised expression.

"Don't look at me like that, I'm not at an age where I don't understand things, I know your good intentions." Han Jia muttered quite seriously.

Just when Han Sanping was about to feel relieved, Little Han instantly returned to her true nature, almost choking him to death:

"Hehe, when the time comes, I'll follow the crew and have a good time for half a year. It's a period war drama, there will definitely be no shortage of big scenes, it must be exciting. And in the southwest, I can ride a horse and go crazy..."

"Heh, then I have to talk to Lin Nan. Throw all the miscellaneous chores to you." Han Sanping said angrily, almost thinking this little cotton-padded jacket had changed its nature, turns out it's still so unreliable!

The Disney people did not stay in the capital for too long, they returned directly in the afternoon after five o'clock and boarded the flight directly to Los Angeles.

And their movement of appearing at the capital airport on this return trip was very low-key, and did not cause any waves on the internet at all. Hmm, after all, they had been greeted.

The 5th ended, the 6th passed by in a hurry...

On the morning of the 7th, the four films of the National Day slot seemed to have suddenly entered a period of resurgence, and the attendance rates all jumped up by a large margin.

Could it be that the long holiday is about to end, and everyone is seizing the time for retaliatory consumption?

However, the entertainment headlines in the morning were not the films currently being screened in the National Day slot, but the micro-film that had just wrapped up—"Gong Shou Dao."

That's right, the micro-film with Ma Yun as the lead wrapped up in the morning, and simultaneously announced the online launch time; that is, on the 11th of next month, which is the so-called Singles' Day, it will officially land on Youku and be broadcast exclusively across the entire web.

"His traffic is very high, much higher than those top-tier stars. Youku might be able to get a large batch of new users this time."

"Traffic? Who can compare traffic with RMB? Young people nowadays generally don't worship gods, but they worship the God of Wealth. Hmm, they also worship Ma Yun, hahaha."

Inside Tiangong Color, the chatting voices of Yue Jun and Guo Fan woke up Lin Nan who was dozing off in front of his workstation, and he joined the topic with a yawn:

"When it comes to playing with traffic, internet companies are the most professional. Look, just like the launch time of this 'Gong Shou Dao' on November 11th, when the time comes, Youku hangs an advertisement or link for Taobao, won't these massive users be directly diverted?"

"Lin Dao, did you go to be a thief last night? You've been dozing off all morning." Guo Fan teased with a smile.

"Looking at materials, studying, doing project planning."

Lin Nan said truthfully, but Yue Jun and Guo Fan seemed not to believe it much, and laughed with a tsk-tsk sound.

Just at this time, Cao Baoping's phone call came in at the right time. Consequently, Lin Nan was too lazy to argue with these two people.

"Teacher Cao?"

"The casting for 'The Suspect X' has been completed, I plan to announce it to the outside world on the 15th, on the 10th of next month..."

"Who is the last main actor?"

"Xin Zhilei."

"Her? Hmm, indeed possible, she has the resume of being shortlisted for the main competition unit of the Berlin Film Festival."

"The Suspect X" has been cast, and "The Father" is also these two days!

This is not it, while Cao Baoping was introducing the shooting schedule of the crew in Nanjing, Tokyo, and Las Vegas to Lin Nan, Liu Yifei had already driven to Bad Monkey Pictures.

She was called over by a phone call from Xing Aina, about the project establishment of the film "The Father."

Inside the office, what caught Liu Yifei's eyes was Xing Aina who was completely haggard without makeup; hmm, the eye bags that weren't there before had appeared, and her hair was also obviously a bit dry.

"Sister Na, don't tell me you've been working your life away during this period?"

Liu Yifei said in astonishment, she felt that Xing Aina urgently needed to do some maintenance. No, she must first have a beautiful sleep, sleep until she wakes up naturally.

"It's okay, fortunately, the script outline given by your Lin Nan is already close to a detailed outline, so I was able to finish the first draft of the script within 20 days. Otherwise, it would take at least a month and a half."

"Sister Na, how long do you sleep every day?" Looking at Xing Aina who was smiling but whose skin had no luster, Liu Yifei asked cautiously.

"Five hours, I guess. Mainly because writing a script cannot be achieved overnight, scratching ears and cheeks, deleting and changing, this process is very time-consuming. But what we lack most now is time.

Ning Hao is also in this state in the 'Crazy Alien' crew, Huang Bo has complained to me several times on the phone. But I couldn't tell him clearly before, sigh, he will understand in two days."

Good fellow, 5 hours!

Liu Yifei bit her lip in lingering fear, even when she was busiest filming, she had never experienced this kind of treatment, sleeping only 5 hours for twenty consecutive days, and the rest of the time was mental labor! If it were her, she would go crazy, she wants to sleep!

"Then you should go back and sleep early this afternoon." Liu Yifei kindly reminded.

"That's natural. Okay, you take a look at the first draft of the script first. I will let the staff send it to the Film Bureau this afternoon, go through the process first, and then I will slowly modify it later, and even then I can change it while filming..."

"When will the project be publicly announced? So I can let people coordinate funds with you." Liu Yifei took the script and asked casually.

Near 12 o'clock noon, Enlight Media.

Wang Changtian looked at Wu Jing as if he had seen a ghost, and questioned suspiciously: "Say it again, I didn't hear clearly."

Hearing this, the smile on Wu Jing's face became even brighter instantly:

"Chairman Wang, you didn't hear wrong, I just came back from the Film Bureau. I was called to a meeting in the morning, and Director Zhang notified me in person that 'Wolf Warrior 2' has been selected as this year's mainland film to rush for the Oscars!"

At this moment, Wang Changtian had confirmed that Wu Jing was not joking with him. He could also see that Wu Jing was very excited and agitated. But...

"Don't think I'm pouring cold water on you, but seeing you so happy, I really can't help but want to say one thing: do you really think this type of film 'Wolf Warrior 2' has a chance over there?"

In an instant, Wang Changtian's words were really like a ladle of cold water poured on Wu Jing's head, making his smile somewhat stiff; but Wu Jing was still somewhat expectant, or should it be said, unwilling to give up?

"Chairman Wang, have to try, right? Just treat it as an inadvertent bet, if you lose you don't lose, if you win it's a big surprise.

Even if it only reaches the nomination stage, that is a huge blessing for me, and my status will have a qualitative leap."

Wu Jing had said it to this point, Wang Changtian naturally had nothing to say, no longer spoke, and could only send blessings: "Then I wish you good luck, and success."

"Haha, thank you Chairman Wang. Then please trouble you to notify Lin Dao again, I'll go find Xie Nan first."

"Hmm, go."

After seeing the office door closed by Wu Jing, Wang Changtian then called Lin Nan.

He was very sure that Wu Jing would definitely go to inquire about Oscar public relations; because as Wu Jing said, this is an opportunity for a leap in status, even if it's just getting a nomination.

But Enlight would absolutely not pay for public relations, because in his view, this is just throwing money into the water!

The call was connected, and the muttering sound rang in the office.

"Chairman Wang, you've said it like that, he should be able to guess that you won't pay for public relations. Of course, I won't pay either, because it's indeed impossible for this kind of film to win an award over there.

I don't know who proposed to send 'Wolf Warrior 2' to rush for the Oscars, this brain is simply hopeless... What? Then just treat the previous sentence as if I didn't say it..."

Early on the 8th, the internet was once again watching Jackie Chan's excitement, and there were quite a few who directly named him and scolded him.

Nothing else, "Little Dragon Girl" officially announced coming out.

Have to admit, regarding the children's affairs, it can definitely be counted as a stain that he can't wipe away in his whole life, it can never be washed away.

The most interesting thing is that there even appeared quite a few drafts on Weibo boycotting "The Foreigner," the reason is very funny: Jackie Chan's character is inferior, and he should be classified as an "artist with bad conduct"!

"How is the script? Give me an opinion, casting is about to start."

Liu Yifei put down her phone and asked Lin Nan beside her. What the latter was looking at in his hand was the first draft of the script for "The Father."

"Everything is OK for now, the script is very delicate, Sister Na's ability is still beyond doubt. It's just that some lines can be deliberated again, hmm, the wording can be more meticulous. I guess it's because the time was too rushed, so these flaws appeared."

Lin Nan put down the script and answered very seriously.

"Then only casting is left. But Sister Na said that this casting is afraid it will be very difficult to choose, especially the male lead." Liu Yifei curled her lips, also feeling it was very challenging.

Because for such a good script, only a full cast of powerful actors and veteran actors can support it. Among them, the most important is the male lead character, which is the hardest to pick. Because the age has to be so old, and the acting skills have to be so good, there are really not many actors available in the industry!

Looking at Liu Yifei's slightly frowning appearance, Lin Nan couldn't help but reach out and tap her brow.

"Hey, don't mess around. Be careful I bite you." Glaring at Lin Nan fiercely, Liu Qianqian continued to ponder about helping Xing Aina with casting in two days.

"I do have a few ideas for the male lead." Lin Nan said with a smile.

"What ideas, say it quickly." Liu rolled her eyes and urged.

"Actually, I only have two or three candidates, but it should be enough." After a pause, Lin Nan then said unhurriedly.

"The first one, Teacher Li Baotian. He is 71 years old this year, this age is very suitable, and his acting skills are absolutely top-notch.

You know, I have worked with him, and won my first Silver Bear trophy for Best Director. That time was my first time filming an award-rushing film, and he taught me a lot of things in the crew.

I remember after the film wrapped up, we also talked and laughed sincerely, saying we hoped to have a chance to work together again in the future. But now fifteen years have passed, and we still haven't had a second chance to work together.

He also reduced his production year by year due to the slander of 'acting bully' and age problems, and now he is wholeheartedly teaching at the Central Academy of Drama, in a semi-retired state."

Lin Nan said this, and saw Liu Yifei suddenly nod with a smile, interrupting him:

"You went to visit my 'Return of the Condor Heroes' crew before you started filming that movie, you said you hated Huang Rong, because if it weren't for her, Yang Guo would have jumped off the Passionless Valley 16 years ago, no need to wait bitterly outside for 16 years, suffering for 16 years!

I tell you, after you left the crew visit that day, I thought for a long time. I think you were implying my mother, hmm, which is your current mother-in-law!

Now it seems, my premonition was right. You were really perverted at that time, I was only 17 years old, haha..."

Liu Yifei laughed and rolled over, her beautiful legs in white long socks kicked into someone's arms.

With a swish, Lin Nan only felt that his integrity had fallen all over the floor, he looked around in panic, and finally let out a long breath, Liu Xiaoli is not here!

"Zhang Wuji's mother's words are indeed correct. The more beautiful a woman is, the more she will lie, hmm, better at disguising! You hunter..." Lin Nan lowered his voice and countered weakly.

"Lin Nan, you are swearing!" Liu Yifei stared at her big director and began to grind her teeth. But she only persisted for four or five seconds before laughing again, with a proud look, she defaulted.

"Okay, okay, say the next one quickly." Liu Yifei shook Lin Nan's arm with a smile, looking like a female bully and female hooligan comforting a "good man."

Based on the principle of not fighting with women, Lin Nan chose to forgive Liu Qianqian and continued to talk about serious matters.

"The second candidate, Teacher You Benchang. The age also meets the conditions, and the acting skills are also top-notch. The only problem is that I'm not very familiar with him, if I want to invite him, I can't guarantee that the other party will definitely have time or agree."

"Then just let someone go and inquire about it when the time comes, right? Besides, whether it is for the audience or for the actors, Director Ning's appeal in the industry is among the top, okay."

Liu Yifei nodded and wrote down this option, and she would tell Xing Aina later.

"Are there any other candidates? Continue." Liu Qianqian raised her eyebrows at Lin Nan.

Muttering, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei chatted until noon. As for the candidates, they were indeed locked to three.

Actually, if they had to force it, there were indeed others, but almost all of them were older. The physical condition of these old seniors might affect their acting performance to some extent, as well as the crew's shooting effect and efficiency.

"Quick, quick, quick, let's go out to eat at noon today, Mom is already waiting at the restaurant."

By 12 o'clock noon, Liu Yifei saw the message Liu Xiaoli sent, and then hurriedly urged Lin Nan.

"Wait for me to change clothes first, you go pick a car and drive it out first." Lin Nan said to Liu Yifei without looking back, and he walked towards the cloakroom.

"Hurry up."

Liu's urging voice came from the doorway. "Hmm? Why did Weibo crash?"