novellhall Chapter 36: Planning
Chapter 36: Planning
In early June, the first cut of "Cruise" was completed.
The initial preparation took a month, filming took more than half a month, and post-production editing and special effects took another month.
Making a movie is like eating; the most important thing is those two bites, and the most tedious part is preparing the ingredients and cleaning up afterward, but you can't do without them.
Fortunately, he took a shortcut during filming, simply cutting along the tape, and thus completed the first version within a week.
Next, some special effects will need to be added.
With a production budget of nine million, one or two million remain, which can be used for promotion.
In fact, there has always been a lot of padding in film production. If you really want to be picky, he could cut the expenses by another 10% or 20%.
Although others can't say anything about it, it still blocks some people's path to wealth, especially since the filming crew is from China Film Group.
As a director, he usually turns a blind eye to such things unless they involve illegal or criminal activities.
This is the producer's responsibility; he doesn't have the energy to pay attention to it.
For the special effects, he initially found a domestic company, but after making two versions, he was still somewhat dissatisfied.
The earliest special effects company was established in China in 02.
However, it did not develop well for more than ten years afterward. Although it is a special effects industry, there are not many countries that can do it well.
Furthermore, just because someone has a good reputation in the industry and some technical skills doesn't guarantee they'll make money; countless special effects companies in Hollywood have gone bankrupt.
While it doesn't necessarily have to be at the level of Industrial Light & Magic, it should at least be above the passing grade.
Inside the chairman's office of China Film Group, Gu Qing sipped his tea, listening to Han Sanping's earnest teachings.
He doesn't usually drink tea, but since the person brewing the tea is the head of China Film Group, he has to give him face.
Sigh, it's bitter at first, but sweet and delicious aftertastes good. It's a real treat for the taste buds... well, he doesn't usually drink tea, so it's like a cow chewing on a peony.
"How is it? This tea is pretty good, isn't it? Take some back with you later."
When Han Sanping saw Gu Qing's expression, he assumed they were both tea connoisseurs and burst into laughter.
These were all delivered by his subordinates, and he was already thinking about packing a few ounces for them to take back later.
"Delicious!"
Gu Qing gave a thumbs up, praising him generously.
"I heard from Lao Chen that your film is going to be sent to Hollywood for special effects?"
"The domestic level is still a bit lacking. Even 'The Promise' was made in Hollywood."
Han Sanping lit a cigarette, his brows furrowing slightly.
He didn't really object to Gu Qing's actions.
"Your film was well made. Although it wasn't in an academic style, the basic skills were very solid."
"The market is shifting now, and what's missing is commercial directors like you and Ning Hao who write and direct their own films. In the future, we might have to rely on you to carry the torch."
Han Sanping smiled and squinted, feeling a little excited inside.
This industry is different from others; it's all about talent. If you have the ability and skill, you can stand out.
The rise of commercial films is unstoppable, and the ever-increasing annual box office revenue is the best evidence of this.
Gu Qing is a good screenwriter and has decent directing skills; he might just become a top commercial director in the future.
"Mr. Han, you're too kind. I'm just a newcomer. All that talk about Bai Yuzhu and Zijin Liang is too much of an honor."
Gu Qing waved his hand and said politely, but the smile on his face wouldn't go away.
Hearing these words from Han Sanping, most people would probably be ecstatic.
However, he knows exactly what's going on. The key is to see how things go. Anyone can put on airs.
If this film fails, he'll probably be immediately banished to the ground by this Mr. Han.
"Gu, did you have any plans to film a movie in Hollywood this time?"
"Young directors are always full of curiosity about these things. There's an exchange meeting at China Film Group. You and Ning Hao can sign up together and give it a try."
After a brief chat, Han Sanping casually probed the question.
"To be honest, Mr. Han, I recently got in touch with Lionsgate and we've been thinking about collaborating."
Although she didn't understand Han Sanping's meaning, Gu Qing thought for a while and decided to explain the situation.
He doesn't have much money right now, so rather than working for others in China, he'd rather go abroad to earn some money.
After contacting Lionsgate, no decision was made immediately; he was simply asked to go there first.
Therefore, Gu Qing's statement was not so decisive.
"What? You're going to Hollywood to make a movie?"
Han Sanping's small eyes widened in surprise.
No, he was just saying it; how could he actually go to Hollywood?
"Currently, it's just an intention. Although there are many projects there, they won't let a greenhorn like me be the director. I guess I'll just be a screenwriter."
"The screenwriter is pretty good, and he might even make it to the assistant director position. You'd better study hard over there."
Han Sanping chuckled, then shook his head and offered words of advice.
He knew Hollywood very well; Chen Ze had already told him about it during his trip to Berlin.
Small projects might offer opportunities for newcomers, but don't even think about big projects; you'll be lucky to even get an assistant director position.
After leaving Tong Zhongying's place, Gu Qing was unsure where to go next.
Although what Han Sanping said was unpleasant, it was the truth.
Excellent resources are always scarce, and for an outsider like him, winning the Golden Bear for short films isn't enough.
This trip to Hollywood will most likely be for contributing a script, and the investment won't be too large. However, for a newcomer like him to have the opportunity to direct already surpasses that of 90% of directors.
Shaking her head, Gu Qing forced herself to stop thinking about it; it was all pointless.
He made a phone call and invited Huang Xiaoming to have dinner together.
Inside a Hunan restaurant, Gu Qing saw Huang Xiaoming again, looking travel-worn, but the man's complexion seemed rather poor.
"Sorry, Director Gu, I've been quite busy lately, that's why I'm late."
"Brother Xiaoming, you're too kind. You can call me Xiao Gu or A Qing, either is fine."
Gu Qing poured the other person a cup of tea and said politely.
"Then I'll take the liberty of calling you A-Qing."
Huang Xiaoming looked pleased and said happily.
When you're out and about, you need to have lots of friends; connections are built up little by little.
"Is the editing of that movie finished? When will it be released?"
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the atmosphere between the two became much more lively.
"There are still some special effects work that haven't been completed yet. If nothing unexpected happens, it will be done in August or September. Brother Xiaoming will have to make time to do promotions together then."
Gu Qing smiled and tentatively said.
Huang Xiaoming's time with Huayi Brothers can be considered the first step in his commercialization, and also a period of rising popularity.
Fan Binbin, as the female lead, is a must-have, so bringing in Huang Xiaoming is also extremely necessary.
"We're all friends, and since you've asked, I'll definitely come, but it will only be to nearby cities."
Huang Xiaoming laughed and patted his chest to assure him.
Although it's a female-centric drama, he's not some minor character, so he naturally wouldn't refuse to make time for promotions.
Besides, if the movie becomes a hit, his prepared public relations team will come in handy.
"Brother, what did you mean by what you said the other day?"
After a few rounds of drinks, Huang Xiaoming asked with a hint of doubt.
He had recently come to understand the hidden meaning in Gu Qing's words, and he was somewhat tempted.