novellhall Chapter 67: Casting
Chapter 67: Casting
"Bro, did you go to the movies with someone earlier? Otherwise, how do you know the plot so well?"
Jing Tian had recovered by now. Her emotions came and went quickly, but she noticed Gu Qing's expression clearly.
I enjoyed watching it the whole time, and I knew the plot perfectly. I've definitely watched it more than once.
"No, I watched it with my sister when I went home for Chinese New Year."
Gu Qing looked a little embarrassed. The film was indeed well made. He had watched it several times before, and during the Chinese New Year, he watched it a few more times with his younger siblings from his uncles' families, so he knew it very well.
Pulling Jing Tian along, Gu Qing took them to eat hot pot.
He eats relatively plain food at home, but also frequently eats out.
As the month drew to a close, the box office of "CJ7" quickly reached 200 million yuan.
Although it surpassed Stephen Chow's previous film "Kung Fu Hustle," audience expectations for Stephen Chow continued to decline, and there was a barrage of criticism online.
"CJ7" is more like an autobiography of an ordinary person who works on construction sites, lives in cheap rental housing, and can't afford to buy fruit, yet sends his son to an elite school, hoping that his son will become a dragon.
It lacks the usual nonsensical comedic style, but carries a strong sense of the realities of the wealth gap.
During the Lunar New Year, people prefer to watch something lighthearted and family-friendly, and with Stephen Chow as the director, it's inevitable that expectations were a bit high, leading to considerable disappointment.
They felt good criticizing it now, but later they learned that this was Stephen Chow's last movie, and they might not be able to see it again.
This is why the rumor of owing Stephen Chow a movie ticket arose online.
However, this movie wasn't bad either. It received a lot of criticism but also a lot of viewers, earning 2 million yuan at the box office and briefly becoming the box office champion of 08.
It was also the first film released during the Spring Festival, and this release period has gradually been developed since then, proving to be more attractive at the box office than the Spring Festival or National Day holidays.
Now that life is better and people have some spare money, the Spring Festival film season is gaining momentum.
The charity posters for the Olympics have also been gradually broadcast in Beijing and on major television stations.
Welcome the Olympics, promote new social customs, and advocate civility.
Actually, this "GG" trend started in 07, but it's only now that I truly feel a sense of national pride, because the Olympics are about to open in Beijing's Bird's Nest!
The Bird's Nest was only completed recently, costing more than 3 billion yuan. Construction began at the end of 2003 and took four years.
Hosting the Olympics is arguably the simplest and most direct way to enhance international influence.
When the country becomes truly powerful and has a voice, the Olympics will no longer be held.
Gu Qing had originally planned to film a few public welfare films, but he was so busy writing scripts that he forgot about it.
Zhang Yimou successfully organized the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, and was jokingly called the "National Master" by netizens. This title was used for more than ten years until he made a number of bad films and ruined his reputation, at which point the title became a derogatory term.
Zhang Yimou still has a lot of energy. Over the years, he has organized many large-scale galas. Only those who have actually organized a gala know how tiring this job is. The key is that if it goes well, there is no praise, but if it goes wrong, you will be scolded.
Therefore, even in his seventies, he was still active in directing.
That kind of energy is truly enviable.
Jing Tian also took a long leave from Beijing Film Academy at the end of February.
In the first half of 08, she had a supporting role in a TV series, a lead role in a short film, and a feature film.
Although "Source Code" caught the eye of the higher-ups, as the director and main investor, getting a female role wouldn't have been a problem for him.
However, he only got involved in this role and didn't manage the rest. After all, it's a joint venture project, and it's not good to be too domineering.
The film "Source Code" is scheduled to start filming in June. Currently, they are arranging locations, making props, and preparing to recruit actors in March.
February had just ended, and the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival had not yet faded when the casting announcement for "The Source Code" was made public, causing quite a stir in the Chinese entertainment industry.
A sci-fi movie with a $60 million investment, co-produced by China and the US, and later exported overseas—who wouldn't be confused by that?
Don't underestimate the seemingly small sum of 60 million. People like Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige invest in US dollars at the drop of a hat, but those in the know understand this.
The "Source Code" project also boasts an investment of over 100 million yuan, since marketing and promotion require money.
Although the script for this drama did not meet Han Sanping's expectations for a grand scale, it is understandable that newcomers would have some concerns.
As for the producer, Chen Ze was chosen again. He had worked with Gu Qing before and they got along quite well.
Besides his abilities, Chen Ze also has connections within China Film Group, which will save Gu Qing a lot of trouble during filming.
He already planned to poach the other person from the company after the movie ended.
As one of the main audition locations, Gu Qing also chose Xingcheng International Hotel as the audition venue.
The last time casting for "Cruise of Destiny" was held at the Beijing Film Studio, it was provided by China Film Group Corporation, Gu Qingcai didn't have the spare money to rent the venue.
Not everyone can get an invitation for an in-person interview; at the very least, you need to have played the lead role in a TV series or the second female lead in a movie.
As for using new actors? He doesn't have that capability yet.
After finishing his work on the Olympics, Zhang Yimou went to high school campuses to cast female leads for his films, ostensibly to find the best love stories on campus.
If he has the ability, he should also try auditioning, uh, I mean casting.
Outside the hotel, Fan Binbin, accompanied by his agent Yang Tianzhen, arrived at the audition location.
At the same time, Li Binbin, accompanied by her younger sister Li Xue, arrived at the hotel by car.
"Binbin, I've found out. This time, we don't need to compete for the female lead; we'll compete for the second female lead."
"Huh? I've already played the second female lead once, why am I doing it again?"
Li Binbin sat in the car, looking somewhat displeased. He had been promised the female lead role in "The Forbidden Kingdom," but inexplicably became the second female lead. This time, he finally got a good project, but they gave up on the female lead role again.
"Sister, you need to know how many people are eyeing this position. Although your qualifications are good, there are many people who are more capable than you. If Fan Binbin were to compete with you, could you outcompete her?"
Li Xue, sitting in the driver's seat, also tried to persuade him earnestly.
"Moreover, I heard that the female lead for this movie has already been decided internally. Rather than competing for the lead role, it's better to get the second lead role."
"It's been decided beforehand? Who? I remember Director Gu is still a new actor, I haven't heard of him having any personal relationships with anyone."
Li Binbin's heart skipped a beat, and she sighed inwardly, "This is bad. Could it be that vixen Fan Binbin?" She couldn't help but feel that Gu Qing's relationship with her wasn't very good.
"Who else could it be? Do you know Jing Tian? She's the little girl who appeared for ten minutes in his movie."
Li Xue has been in the agent industry for many years and has a network of connections. If she wants to find out something, she can still find out.
"It's her."
Li Binbin seemed to be deep in thought. At last year's Golden Horse Awards, there was indeed a young girl next to Gu Qing, but she hadn't paid much attention to her at the time.
However, to be brought along in such an occasion, the relationship must be quite close.
It's just that Tianmeng Pictures doesn't have a very big reputation right now, otherwise Jing Tian's status as a shareholder wouldn't be a secret.
The two women met at the hotel entrance, exchanged a glance, and both involuntarily snorted coldly before parting ways.