Chapter 409: Angel Baby
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
The days that followed flew by in concentration and busyness.
An Xiaofang helped to find a first-year graduate student in the Director Department. Her drawing skills were excellent, and her foundation was solid. She followed Wang Yan every day and helped to draw the storyboards.
Wang Muye’s drawing skills were average, but he had many ideas, which was an excellent supplement.
Young aster Wang simply let Wang Muye and Yan Xiaoyu live in the Xiangji’s Presidential Suite and focus on honing the script.
Every day, he went to find Fu Yushi to watch her live performance, study the performance techniques, and style the mirror language system.
Then, come back and continue to draw and change the script.
It was certain that no crew worked like this.
In the past, the writing period, the director’s processing period, the actors’ preparation period, the film crew’s preparation period, and the official start-up period were utterly different.
Occasionally, due to some particular circumstances, the different work periods intersected, but no one prepared a film like Wang Yan.
The Young Master did not lack money, but he was willful and insisted on spending money to produce a good film.
Fu Yushi grew up quickly as a result. The new actress’s discomfort with the camera soon faded away from her.
There were still many problems with her acting. However, Wang Yan did not need her to become a movie star actress immediately. She only needed to act reasonably in the movie.
She had too much time to grind one shot at a time slowly.
Very quickly, she reached the minimum of Wang Yan’s request.
However, the Young Master still felt unsatisfied and hoped that she would show more spirituality.
There were still three months before filming started, and there was utterly enough time. Young Master Wang was very much looking forward to the final result that she would hand over.
The progress of the script and the split-mirror image was even more remarkable.
Wang Yan had seen the finished film and was in charge of the entire process and overall planning.
Wang Muye had fantastic talent. He could find the flaws and make up for them.
Yan Xiaoyu had good taste and was good at composition. When she drew, she could ideally get the needs of the two of them.
Two geniuses plus one lubricant. They were highly harmonious.
By the time An Xiaofang had a meeting with the director team again, the shooting scene and venue could already be confirmed.
The initial location was located at the border of Yunnan.
Everyone’s common idea was that they should try their best to obscure the nationality of the villain organization.
They might as well set it as a substantial multinational organization.
The Boss in the first film was the chief scientist of the organization’s branch. He spoke Chinese, but the base was located in the neighboring country.
Everyone understood the reason.
The talent show competition would be shot in Star City, and the exterior location would be the Mango TV Tower.
The interior of the base and other scenes could be set up in any large studio. It was relatively easy to set up.
With everything ready, An Xiaofang began to look for actors.
The main lead was Fu Yushi and her dumb but cute friend Reyi Nawu, who had a heavy role in the early stages; there was nothing to say about this.
The female scientist role needed an experienced actress, and it would be best if she had a bit of a natural vixen temperament.
An Xiaofang, Zhongying Digital, and Yida film all had their recommendations, and the industry also moved at the same time.
Regardless of how much the production cost was, a total investment of 100 million was not a small sum. Secret looked down on the villain, but it did not mean that others will do the same.
Strictly speaking, the female scientist could be considered as one of the female leads. It would be very outstanding if it were acted out well, and she’s all-around in Season Two.
However, this choice was a headache for Wang Yan.
There was a saying — the villain built up the main character’s arrogance.
The more powerful the villain’s aura was, the more influential the female lead would be.
Otherwise, what was the point of a rookie pecking at each other?
A few days ago, Xiao Ming and An Xiaofang met at a dinner party. He expressed that he wanted to make friends with Wang Yan and then asked about the first female lead of the villain.
When An Xiaofang came back and said that, Young Master Wang almost peed his pants.
What would it look like to have Baby play the first female antagonist?!
A bewitching wild and dull smile?!
Fortunately, Xiao Ming was just asking and didn’t take it seriously.
After a serious discussion, everyone finally reached a consensus — Zeng Li, Wang Haiou, and Zhang Yuqi could all do it.
In fact, from the middle-generation actresses to the post-70s generation, there were more suitable choices.
The pay would be cheaper, the acting would be better, and they would control the scene.
There was no need to pick a female villain who was still in her prime. Not only was it expensive, but there might also be additional trouble during filming.
However, Young Master Wang had a more profound plan.
One of the new versions of the “Witch” big goals was to raise the little princess.
The beauty of the female villain was not the problem. The problem was whether she was beautiful or not.
If she did not step on the femme fatale, how would she rise to the top?
In terms of looks, who had our little Princess Been Afraid of with 96 points?!
Uh, Yaya and Zhazha definitely could not do it. It might even backfire…
In short, it was all a scheme, but it was still not easy to say whether the other party was willing to accept it or not.
If they got what they wanted, there would be three great beauties of different styles in the whole movie. In terms of looks, it would be enough to be hyped up for a while. It would be suitable for the box office.
Moreover, the Young Master’s pursuit of looks had not stopped.
If an action movie with cool and handsome as the primary focus did not invite handsome guys and beauties, then wouldn’t it be disgusting?
Fast and Furious 7 was the worst vegetarian series in the Young Master’s heart. Gail Gardo’s long legs had been great, but they suddenly disappeared when it reached Season 7. It was a bad review!
Therefore, when it came to Wang Yan making his movie, he was determined not to get used to any ZZZQ. He just wanted to increase the looks.
As the base’s security team captain, Wang Yan preferred the suited thug, Zhang Jin.
He could fight, had an aura, and had a manly atmosphere. When he finally appeared, he was chewing gum, wearing a straight suit, and shooting with a raise of his hand…
He was giving out benefits to the female audience!
He was giving out benefits to the supervillains. He did not need to care about the two of them who were just there for fun. They were more or less the same.
The male and female co-lead positions had some requirements. The first was to look good, and the second was to have a popularity.
Young Master Wang did not forget about the drainage plan, so it was best to hire a top-notch actor for the second male lead.
The production cost was more than 20 million yuan. The actors’ salaries had to spend on this position.
However, it was not easy to hire a top-notch actor.
There were only two top-notch actors with the right temperament. One was a Big Noodles, and the other was a Silly Tao.
An Xiaofang went to ask for a price and stated that it was just a supporting role with not many scenes. The former’s management team asked for 50 million, while the latter was more reliable and asked for 15 million.
Please make up your mind.
An Xiaofang was so frustrated that she started cussing and didn’t care if Fu Yushi was beside Wang Yan.
When *** filmed “Old Gangster,” at most he was paid 5 million, who*** doesn’t know? Do you think I’m a newbie in this industry? I’ll watch and see that vast deficit when the movie is released.
An Xiaofang was a little upset when she inquired about the price. It was rare for her to be in such a position.
Even Wang Yan was stunned. “What’s going on? There’s such a big difference in the price, and they’re not even giving you respect, Chief An?”
“They’re not interested in the script or the character, and they’re even less interested in Imperial Entertainment as the main investor. They’re playing the eagle game with us!”
An Xiaofang sneered, and her expression was hideous.
“As for me, I’m more involved in the Hong Kong and Shanghai Circle, and I don’t have such a big presence in the Beijing Circle.”
Young Master Wang quickly realized that the management team of Big Noodle was not easy to deal with.
He was too famous. In the past two years, he was at his peak, so they only needed to respect a small number of people.
Just because Guan Hu + Xiao Gangpao could deal with them did not mean that An Xiaofang + Young Master Wang could do the same.
That ridiculous offer was a tactful refusal.
An Xiaofang continued to mutter, “What I’m most angry about is not the offer. It’s that that kid did not read the script at all. After chatting for a while, he was full of nonsense. It was the management team that just glanced at the script and immediately passed. They felt that our project was not qualified enough.”
Wang Yan’s attitude was outstanding, and he comforted her gently.
“That’s because they’re not lucky. I have absolute confidence in the “Witch.” Although the second male lead doesn’t have many scenes, his acting is vital. If he doesn’t act, we’ll find someone else.”
An Xiaofang glanced at Fu Yishi and smiled meaningfully.
Then, she turned around and complained to Wang Yan, “Young Master Wang, don’t think that everyone is stupid. They’re unwilling to carry the sedan chair for the female lead. It’s very normal. This popularity isn’t that easy to borrow…”
Wang Yan was neither surprised nor embarrassed to be seen through. He shrugged nonchalantly.
“I’m not planning to take advantage of the situation empty-handed. It’s a win-win situation.
How many roles can the audience remember in the film industry that have a stable footing?
Brother Bo’s role as the Black Panther in Crazy Rock back then was small enough, and the pay was low enough, right?
If they could reshoot it, people would fight over it.
In the industry, how could there be a good thing where one could make money and become famous, take advantage of others, and do nothing at all?
“Anyway, I firmly believe that this is a good opportunity, and whoever misses it will regret it.”
“It’s good that you have confidence.”
An Xiaofang nodded, and her spirits were lifted.
“Then let’s do our best! Work hard to film the “Witch” well, and when it rocks upon release, I’ll pay for it, and we’ll hold a super large-scale celebration party! I want to greet them personally!”
A woman’s narrow-mindedness…
It was terrifying!
But that was exactly what Wang Yan wanted to do —
Succeed, continue to succeed, and continue to win. It would be too late for those who missed it to regret it.
“Can you lower the price at Zi Tao’s Place?”The Young Master asked casually.
“There’s a chance.”
An Xiaofang nodded. “I’ll try again. There’s still time.”
Although Zi Tao’s bid was not that ridiculous, it was still out of balance.
The female lead was only a few hundred thousand. The female lead, two female lead, three female lead, and one male lead were at most four million. To give the second male lead 15 million, is that a joke?
After the shooting started, the other party requested the corresponding treatment. How could they give it?
In any case, the total remuneration had to be below 10 million. Otherwise, the positions would not match.
“If it really doesn’t work out, we can only change the actors. Let’s pick two more candidates.”
“Then what’s Your plan?”
“How can everything go according to plan…”
Wang Yan could not help but laugh. “As long as the movie is good enough, it won’t be a big problem if it lacks a hype point. Wang Muye’s standard is not bad. I’m getting more and more optimistic about the quality of the finished movie. It won’t be lacking a top-notch actor.”
An Xiaofang knew in her heart that the negotiation strategy would be more straightforward.
“Alright, I’ll handle it. If I don’t cut the price by more than half, it’ll be considered my dereliction of duty.”
The highest bidder’s price was highly inflated in the entertainment industry, and the market was in a mess.
When he didn’t plan to shoot a movie, Wang Yan looked at the hundreds of millions of dollars in salary, and it felt like a dream.
Now that he had been hanging out with An Xiaofang for a long time, he had a rough idea of what was going on, and he no longer took it seriously.
Take “Old Gangster,” which was about to be released, as an example.
The market price of Big Noodles was 120 million yuan, and the cost of Feng Feng was 80 million yuan. Together with the salary of Xiao Gangpao and Guan Hu, as well as the actors and actresses, it was at least 20 million yuan.
The total cost was only 60 million yuan!
The movie industry was different from TV dramas becoming more and more empty, and reality shows were getting more prosperous. To be on the big screen, Secret’s salary was only 3 million yuan, which was less than one-tenth of one season of reality shows.
They are filming movies to make a status for themselves, filming dramas to make a name for themselves, filming reality shows to steal money, and taking on endorsements to live on.
This was how celebrities in the entertainment industry played.
Therefore, if An Xiaofang had good means, she could use a few million to hire a top-notch actor.
When An Xiaofang retreated, Fu Yishi put down her knife and fork and asked with some worry, “Wang Wang, are you really going to hire Zi Tao to act for me?”
“Yes. Why? Don’t you like him?”
Wang Yan teased her with a wicked smile.
Fu Yishi rolled her eyes. “Do I have the right to look down on him?”
“Work hard. You will have it sooner or later. I have confidence in you.”
Fu Yishi was very touched, but the pressure was even greater.
Young Master Wang was still so relaxed. “Don’t just look at the position. It would help if you thought this way — out of the four who came back from abroad, he’s the worst. What’s so great about him? !”
Fu Yishi burst out laughing. “How is he bad? He’s a little worse than his teammates, but isn’t he dozens of times better than me?”
“How is he better? The director, screenwriter, and producer are your biological brothers. How dare he show off to you?”
“Bah! Liuli is younger than me by half a year. Stop fooling around with your relatives.”
The little princess keenly caught on to Wang’s behavior of taking advantage of him with his words and decisively corrected him.
Young Master Wang never lost out on words. He held his chin and said thoughtfully, “I seem to understand… were you implying that my pay was too low just now?”
Fu Yishi’s face turned red. “How could I? !”
“You have 50 thousand, but he has 15 million. Isn’t that a few tens of times? Why don’t I raise it to a round number for you?”
“I can’t be bothered with you.”
Fu Yushi calmed down very quickly. She realized that Wang Yan was making up some nonsense and immediately stopped the conversation.
She couldn’t beat him even if she wanted to, so what was there to talk about?
Smart kids never had iron heads.
Then, she carefully thought about the script and felt that this second male lead was simply impeccable.
Although Zi Tao was the one who had the worst development among the four who returned, he happened to be the most compatible with the “Witch.”
He didn’t even need to have good acting skills. As long as he showed his face, he would naturally have the air of a cocky, stupid, and arrogant brat who deserved a beating.
After a violent beating, the audience would feel relieved.
Thinking of this, Fu Yishi suddenly had a strange thought.
“Hey, Wang Wang, are you writing a script based on Zi Tao’s temperament as the villain?”
Young Master Wang shook his head. “No, but I realized very early on that he was suitable to act like a brat…”
“Ah?”Fu Yushi widened her eyes.
“That was when I was in my first year of high school. It was the first time I saw his picture on my female classmate’s desk. I was thinking, ‘who is this? Why does he look so annoying?'”
“Poof!”
Fu Yushi was so happy that she almost spurted water. Wang Yan glanced at her and continued as if he was serious.
“It wasn’t until I saw Big Noodle that I suddenly realized that Zi Tao is actually quite good. The person beside him is even more annoying…”
The little princess laughed.
Actually, Wang Yan was telling the truth.
For a long time, the four returned sons were not liked by the boys, especially when they liked them.
The poster that Wang Yan saw appeared on He Meng’s table.
It had been a long time, and Wang Yan had become a top Young Master. The resentment he had once felt had turned into a warm symbol of growth when he remembered it.
But that feeling could still lead to a conclusion — if Zi Tao played the villain who got beaten up, the men would be delighted to see it.
The female audience was not an audience for action movies to begin with. It was not important to them whether females were satisfied or not.
Moreover, his fans would still watch and earn blood.
That was how popularity was used. Why let the most popular stars act some soldier role?
It would be strange if they didn’t lose money!
Well, when the time came, they would cut out two versions of the trailer. One version would make Zi Tao so handsome and attract female fans, and the other would beat him down to attract male audiences…
Thinking of this, Young Master Wang could not help but Snicker.
Director Wang, Oh, director Wang, you’re too slutty!
..
Wang Yan continued to work hard with a whole fighting spirit. He only slept four hours a day until December 20th. It was almost Christmas, and he finally grinded the text version of the script to the degree that everyone was satisfied with.
The script could be drawn slowly with separate shots. The rest was to add inspiration at any time during the filming process.
Everything went smoothly at work, but money was a little urgent.
It was almost the end of the month, but the funds were still not enough. He stared at the water purifier, unable to afford it.
He only had 30 million in cash, and the gap was as high as 20 million.
Where could he get this money?
Just as he was hesitating if he should give in to He Miaomiao and call her “Your Highness” to scam some money to spend, Chu Hong saved him.
“Young Master Wang, there are a few merchants who want to give you a card. It’s not a business deal between banks, but a personal relationship of mine. If you have time, come to Shanghai and help me out?”
Chu Xing, you’re my little angel baby!
Wang Yan was ecstatic and immediately rushed back to Shanghai.