Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 80: The Things on the Film Crew
Seeing this, Shang Jin assumed that Liu Shishi was a little nervous since she had just arrived, and quickly waved his hand to interrupt the two of them.

"Stop, stop, stop, start again! Xiao Liu, put some emotion into it, pay attention to your eyes, don't panic, find the feeling."

Liu Shishi's mind went blank; she had no idea how to act and mechanically replied, "Okay, director."

Yan Ni rehearsed the scene again, but Liu Shishi's eyes remained dull and lifeless, unchanged.

Shang Jin could only offer a word of advice: "Xiao Liu, this scene is the first meeting between Tong Xiangyu and Zhan Hongling. It contains hidden meanings and a subtle competition between them. It's not about you glaring at them."

After four or five more rehearsals, Liu Shishi's eye acting showed no improvement. Shang Jin sighed in frustration, rubbing his forehead and sweating profusely with anxiety.

Yan Ni was also anxious. This couldn't go on forever, so she comforted him, "Director Shang, why don't you take a break? Shi Shi probably just arrived at the set today and hasn't gotten into character yet. Let her relax."

Shang Jin sighed and waved his hand, "Alright, you guys rest first. Yan Ni, give Xiao Liu some pointers."

Yan Ni felt like she had been granted a pardon. Shang Jin was tired from watching, and she was even more tired from cooperating. Since the director had agreed to let them rest, she immediately pulled Liu Shishi up and said, "Sister, let's go and rest for a while."

Liu Shishi looked dejected. Recalling the repeated requests to redo scenes during the filming of "Moon Shadow and Lotus Breeze," she felt insecure and asked softly with her head down, "Sister Yan, was my acting really bad?"

Yan Ni thought to herself, wanting to retort that she was quite self-aware, but that was all she could think about.

He still encouraged the young girl, saying, "You've only just joined the crew. Once you've spent some time getting to know everyone and integrating into the group, you'll be able to get into character and act well very quickly."

Liu Shishi lowered her head and glanced timidly at Yan Ni. "I also want to act well, but every time I look into your eyes, I can't express my inner feelings. When I get anxious, I can't even say my lines."

Yan Ni understood immediately; this girl was most likely a self-taught actor, and actors without formal training often had similar issues.

Without systematic study of performance theory or professional skills training, it is difficult to quickly express the required emotions. One can only rely on experience and emotional immersion to improve through trial and error.

Qiao Zhengyu walked up to Yan Ni and Liu Shishi from the side of the photography studio. He noticed that the two of them had strange expressions; one looked helpless, and the other looked worried.

She asked in surprise, "Sister Yan, what happened between you and Shishi?"

Yan Ni grabbed Liu Shishi's small hand, patted the back of her hand, and encouraged her, "Cheer up, girl! It's just a little scene, is it really necessary to make such a fuss?"

Upon hearing this, Qiao Zhengyu immediately understood that the audition had probably not gone well. He comforted her, saying, "It's okay, junior sister. Just think about it carefully. Zhan Hongling doesn't have many scenes, so just practice more."

Yan Ni mistakenly thought that Liu Shishi was also an artist under Tengda, so he joked, "Old Qiao, since Shishi is your junior sister off-screen, and in the play she plays Zhan Hongling, who is Bai Zhantang's white moonlight, then you should help her out more."

"Leave it to me, Shishi. Take your time. I'll rehearse with you this afternoon and help you get a feel for the role." There are already few actors from the Beijing Dance Academy, so Qiao Zhengyu, a fellow student, felt she should take extra care of her.

After being comforted and encouraged by the two, Liu Shishi regained some of her spirits and was deeply moved. "Thank you, senior brother and sister Yan."

Leaving aside the fact that Qiao, Yan, and Liu were exchanging their experiences over there, Shang Jin paced back and forth in front of the monitor with his arms behind his back.

He was a bit annoyed. He hadn't expected that Liu Shishi's ancient costume appearance was good, but it was all show and no substance. Her eyes were empty and dull, which was very disappointing. Her acting skills were terrible.

After hesitating for a moment, Shang Jin gritted his teeth and decided to call the producer to replace Liu Shishi. As the director, he couldn't let the producer do whatever he wanted.

He and producer Wang Jing got along quite well, and the investors didn't randomly throw in actors, so filming went smoothly. However, halfway through the shoot, the producer asked to insert a small cameo role, which Shang Jin naturally agreed to without hesitation.

However, Liu Shishi's performance greatly disappointed Shang Jin. He is a very dedicated person when it comes to his work. Otherwise, he would not have persisted in seeking investment and was determined to make "My Own Swordsman" even though he knew that the market was not optimistic about costume sitcoms.

Therefore, he had very high standards for this film, striving for perfection, and even a small cameo role could not have any obvious shortcomings.

He was determined to prove to the market and the audience that he, Shang Jin, lived up to his title as a national first-class director and that the TV series he produced would definitely be of high quality.

"Director Shang, why are you calling me all of a sudden?"

Wang Jing found it strange; she had been busy with Tengda Group matters and hadn't been to the film set recently.

With the producer absent, the director made almost all the decisions regarding the production crew, so she didn't think Shang Jin needed to contact her about anything.

"Mr. Wang, I've met the actress who plays Zhan Hongling."

Wang Jing smiled and said, "The young lady is very nice. Director Shang, please give her some guidance."

Shang Jin tentatively asked, "Mr. Wang, can we discuss something?"

Wang Jing was puzzled. "What's wrong?"

Shang Jin gritted his teeth and said, "This girl's acting is terrible, her eyes are dull, she's really not suitable to play Zhan Hongling. Can we replace her?"

Wang Jing's tone suddenly rose, "Director Shang, what do you mean?"

Shang Jin noticed that Wang Jing was a little agitated, so he could only explain tactfully: "President Wang, this girl is obviously a newcomer and has never studied acting. If Tengda wants to promote her, 'My Own Swordsman' is really not suitable."

Think about it, everyone else has solid acting skills, but she's the only one with a weakness. Once the drama airs, the young actress will definitely be criticized by the audience.

After saying that, he added a suggestion: "President Wang, your Tengda Company is very powerful. If you really want to promote someone, you should train her and create a standout role for her."

Playing Hong Ling in a solo exhibition was a risk-averse endeavor. Therefore, I think the role should be recast, which is also a way to protect Liu's privacy.

Wang Jing was easily swayed and was somewhat persuaded, feeling that Shang Jin's words did indeed make some sense.

She now works for the group, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, "My Own Swordsman" should be her last time as a producer. She also hopes that the show will achieve excellent results.

After a moment's thought, Wang Jing said, "I need to report on the casting change. Director Shang, you should understand what I mean."

"This!" Shang Jin had thought that Liu Shishi had used Wang Jing's connections to persuade the producer to replace her.

Unexpectedly, Wang Jing couldn't make the decision herself; there was a powerful figure behind her. She couldn't afford to offend Tengda Culture alone. If she offended the big boss behind the scenes over the issue of changing the actor, it would be a loss that wouldn't be worth it.

However, he was now in a difficult position; having already spoken, he had no choice but to proceed. Shang Jin sighed; this was a mess. "Please let me know if there's any news, Mr. Wang."

After hanging up the phone, Wang Jingli, who was handling official business in her office, hesitated for a moment.

An outsider's perspective is often clearer. While the boss of Songci seems kind and gentle to her and Zhang Yongting, he's inherently arrogant, cold, and confident—not someone easy to talk to. Especially regarding Liu Shishi, the boss is overly biased towards his childhood sweetheart. He just asked her to contact the production team to take care of Liu Shishi yesterday, and now she's suggesting replacing her? She's afraid she'll get scolded.

As noon approached, Wang Jing checked the time, estimating that Song Ci had already finished class. After hesitating for a moment, she picked up her phone and called. "Mr. Song, have you finished class?"

Song Ci had just left the classroom when she said, "I just got off, please wait for Sister Jing."

After saying that, he moved the receiver away from his ear and shouted to his roommates, "Gang, Fatty, Xiao Chuan, you guys go to the cafeteria first, I'm taking this call and I'll be back in a bit."

Lin Hao replied, "Okay, I'll save you a seat. Hurry up, the cafeteria will be crowded and you'll have to queue for food."

Avoiding the students who had just finished class, Song Ci walked to a quiet corridor and said, "Go ahead and speak, Sister Jing."

Wang Jing whispered, "President Song, Director Shang Jin just called and told me that Shishi's acting skills aren't very good."

Song Ci frowned slightly, his tone flat, making it impossible to discern his true feelings. "And then? What did he mean?"

Wang Jing spoke cautiously, trying to distance herself from the role, "Director Shang asked me to convey that he suggested changing the actress, feeling that Shi Shi might not be suitable to play Zhan Hongling."

Song Ci let out a sneer. Shang Jin didn't even recognize him, yet he was relaying messages!

"Don't you also think Shishi is unsuitable? Tell me, why is she unsuitable?"

Faced with her boss's questioning, Wang Jing was speechless, feeling that she had been fooled by Shang Jin for rashly contacting Song Ci without clarifying the matter.

I vaguely remembered Shang Jin mentioning that Shi Shi's eye acting wasn't good, so I could only reply, "Director Shang said that Shi Shi's eyes are empty and she still needs to work on them."

Song Ci's tone was icy, containing a hint of anger: "Then hone your skills! Isn't it the director's duty to guide and train your acting? Shishi just arrived at the set this morning, and you and Shang Jin are already telling me about replacing her?"

Wang Jing was somewhat frightened by Song Ci's stern questioning and quickly explained, "President Song, it's not what you think. Director Shang and I meant well."

He then relayed Shang Jin's views to Song Ci.

Song Ci was furious and angrily retorted, "Shifting blame! It's utterly ridiculous. So, kicking someone out of the crew is for their own good? I know what Shang Jin is thinking. He's always been against the investors putting people in the crew."

It's estimated that when the company asked Qiao Zhengyu to play the male lead, he was holding his breath. Although he reluctantly compromised, he was still unhappy.

This time, he conveniently seized upon Shishi's poor acting skills to demonstrate his authority as a director, and you actually foolishly told me that he meant well.

"Does Shang Jin just believe whatever he says? Wang Jing, do you even have a brain?!"

Song Ci spoke in a very harsh tone, and Wang Jing was so badly scolded that she was speechless for a long time before she came to her senses.

He stammered, "I understand, Mr. Song. I will handle this matter well."

"What I just said was a bit harsh. Jing-jie, please think about it carefully."

After hanging up the phone, Song Ci calmed down and her mood gradually improved, but she was still unhappy.

When coal mine owners invest in film and television dramas, they demand that female stars be promoted, and directors have no choice but to obediently accept. Yet, when they arrange a supporting role for Shang Jin, he makes all sorts of excuses.

Shishi is a new actress, and you, a big director, don't think about mentoring the younger generation, but only about replacing her to make things difficult for the investors.

They even said that Shishi's eyesight was off, but when Shishi looked at him, she was full of affection. There was nothing wrong with her at all. This is utter fabrication and utterly absurd.

In a few years, when internet companies enter the market and intervene in everything from casting and production to promotion and screening, these self-important directors will realize what the love of a sugar daddy really means.

Recalling Zhang Zhao's suggestion to him last night regarding the rapid development of Tengda Culture, Song Ci was initially somewhat dismissive. Now, however, it seems that Wang Jing was too mild and conservative. Since Tengda has such strength, it should occupy more of the market.

The entertainment industry pie is only so big. The number of movies released in theaters each year, the number of TV dramas broadcast on television, and the number of brand endorsements are all quantifiable. If Tengda doesn't compete, it's just sitting idly by and watching other companies develop and steal its profits.

Sitting in her office, Wang Jing grew angrier the more she thought about it. She felt she had been badly tricked by Shang Jin, and at the same time, she felt a little wronged because Song Ci had scolded her so harshly for the first time.

However, upon reflection, I realize I was indeed a bit reckless. Knowing full well that Liu Shishi was the exclusive domain of Song Dynasty poetry, I foolishly went looking for trouble. It's all Shang Jin's fault; I was deceived by his honest appearance and trusted him too easily.

Shang Jin, who was being cursed by Wang Jing, was eating boxed lunches with several other lead actors in the rest area. The lunch consisted of two meat dishes and two vegetable dishes. Everyone, from the director to the extras, was treated equally. No one in the "My Own Swordsman" crew acted like a big shot.

Upon seeing Wang Jing's call, Shang Jin dropped his lunchbox, scanned the room, and, finding no one watching him, stood up and took a few steps to create some distance between himself and the others. "President Wang!"

"Director Shang, I hope I'm not disturbing your meal at this hour."

Hearing Wang Jing's sarcastic tone, Shang Jin had a bad feeling and said with a wry smile, "President Wang, please don't belittle me."

Before Shang Jin could ask any questions, Wang Jing said directly, "Director Shang, I won't beat around the bush. Liu Shishi, you have to stay."

Shang Jin still wanted to try, clinging to his old viewpoint, "President Wang, didn't I already explain to you that her acting skills are not good?"

Wang Jing's tone was firm and resolute: "Director Shang, don't try to fool me or complain. I'm not discussing this with you. The role of Zhan Hongling will be played by Liu Shishi."

"Mr. Wang, you're making things difficult for me, and you're being irresponsible towards 'My Own Swordsman'."

"Don't play the victim with me. I have nowhere to vent my grievances. Do you know how badly I was scolded by the big boss just now? Alright, Director Shang, this matter is settled."

Wang Jing used her authority as producer and production company to pressure the director.

Shang Jin also lost his temper and said in one breath, "President Wang, this is not how things are done. I am the director, and I don't think she is suitable."

Wang Jing sneered, "Director Shang, we've had a pleasant working relationship lately, so I've given you more authority and haven't been too involved in the crew's affairs."

Aside from the male lead being a member of Tengda, you got to decide all the other roles in "My Own Swordsman." As a renowned director in the industry, you must know that few film and television companies are as generous as Tengda.

"It's perfectly reasonable for our big boss to want someone to play a supporting role in a TV series that's entirely produced by Tengda. I'm telling you this: you'd better think carefully about whether you can afford to offend the Tengda Group."

Shang Jin fell silent after being threatened by Wang Jing. Tengda Culture owns the second largest cinema chain in the country. Not to mention himself, even film directors like Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige would not easily offend them.

(End of this chapter)