Huayu: Are you even sitting up straight? You're going to be the director?

Chapter 41 The Most Important Step in Filming!
The camera blinked rapidly.

The media has gone mad!
Only the reporter who asked Cao Zhong the last question just now must have lost their mind!

Without realizing it, he seemed to have become the persecutor!
Many journalists are very smart.
Cao Zhong seemed to say nothing, merely opening up a new front, but upon closer examination, he revealed everything.

Cao Zhong addressed every controversy surrounding the three major battlefronts that outsiders relentlessly attacked.

In the heated debate about artistry and character, Cao Zhong didn't get bogged down in the debate. Instead, he directly targeted Jia Zhangke, who was stirring up trouble, and launched an attack on "Still Life," which had just won the Venice Golden Lion Award in September. He analyzed how this film actually won the "honor" for Chinese-language films.

Moreover, it involves analyzing films by name!

They also fired shots at Gu Changwei.

Regarding the artistic merit of "Tokyo Story," Cao Zhong did not attempt to prove it himself. Instead, he used the award-winning films "Still Life" and "Peacock" to show the audience what kind of films were winning awards!

And from this, we can infer that the high regard for "Tokyo Story" is based on its artistic merit!
If you want to refute this, prove it yourself.

I say you didn't!

The controversy surrounding Cao Zhong and the film, whether Cao Zhong gained fame through suffering and hype through a patriotic film, and the overwhelming criticism of Cao Zhong online.

Cao Zhong used just five words to intimidate the assembled heroes.

Is it wrong to love one's country?

Then, he criticized the current domestic lack of attention to and recognition of patriotic films, believing that patriotic films lowered the prestige of the "seventh art".

It issued a scathing critique and the strongest voice of personal narrative.

"Is it only by forcing me, Cao Zhong, to my death that you can let go of my heart, which has been striving for the success of the film 'Nanjing Photo Studio'! Only then can you let go of my sincere heart, which is willing to endure the condemnation of the masses in order to commemorate the victims of Nanjing!"

At the same time, following his criticism of Yasujiro Ozu, Cao Zhong once again criticized the industry's chaotic state!

They proclaimed the slogan that movies are born for the audience!

This opening ceremony was definitely worth attending!

The reporters frantically took notes, wishing they could write down every single word Cao Zhong said.

Profound, so profound!
Although Cao Zhong is young, every word he says is meaningful.

There's a potential bombshell.

There is a conflict.

Passionate!
And they even named names!

So fierce!
Reporters from JS provincial media and NJ city media were deeply moved, their pupils constricting slightly.

These young people should at least be Party members, or at the very least, probationary members, activists, or members of the Communist Youth League. At the very least, they should have worn the red scarf (a symbol of the Young Pioneers).

Or maybe he's always received the big red flower before!

Their entire bodies are covered in red, a symbol of good fortune!
After the opening ceremony, the media swarmed in.

"Director Cao, when you mentioned the senior from the Literature Department, were you referring to Director Jia Zhangke?"

"Director Cao, judging from your sadness just now, have you been feeling immense pressure from certain people lately?"

"Director Cao, does your talk of 'subservient mentality' include directors like Director Chen and Director Zhang from the Beijing Film Academy?"

"Does China Film Group also support your statements, Director Cao? Are you speaking on your own behalf, or on behalf of the investors?"

Cao Zhong did not respond.

Under the protection of his brothers Qi Jiuzhou and Wang Renjun, he gradually left the media's entourage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the opening ceremony is now officially over!"

Wang Renjun repeatedly echoed the media's statements.

In the last second before Cao Zhong disappeared from the camera's view...

He turned his head and continued, "In order for my new film to be worthy of the audience, I will temporarily decline all interviews after the opening ceremony. I want to focus on making the film without any distractions. Thank you everyone! Thank you, thank you!"

At this point, the media had stopped seeing Cao Zhong and instead began interviewing the main cast members.

But compared to Cao Zhong's remarks, these actors are as slippery as eels.

This makes it impossible for the media to grasp the hot topics.

Not interesting!
Director Cao is truly a friend of the media! He's our best friend!

Many media outlets wished they could kiss Cao Zhong and say something like:
He only loves Cao Zhong.

……

After the opening ceremony, Cao Zhong quickly got to work.

He has already forgotten what he said at the ceremony.

Cao Zhong had these words to say.

Firstly, it serves as a prelude. The choice of this patriotic film was specifically made by Cao Zhong for next year's commemoration. If the related doubts are not completely dispelled, there will always be some noise in the future.

Secondly, it was to save his life.

Despite facing numerous enemies, Cao Zhong made such a strong statement at the opening ceremony, in front of so many media outlets in Nanjing and Jiangsu.

At least it gave him a layer of political protection.

As for arguing with people, it was just something I did on a whim.

Damn it, that guy surnamed Jia disgusted Cao Zhong with his interview a few days ago. Does he really think Cao Zhong can't see it?

You bullied me before I transmigrated, and you still bully me after I transmigrated. Then what the hell was the point of my transmigration?
Cao Zhong felt no psychological pressure at all when he slapped Jia Zhangke.

But once that's said, it's over.

Cao Zhong didn't care how the outside world changed.

He only cares about killing, not burying.

Standing on the moral high ground, he's incredibly arrogant.

If things really escalate, it's no surprise who backs down.

Just because "Still Life" wasn't banned doesn't mean you think you're something special!

Most importantly, of course, is the movie.

It's almost December, and the weather and temperature are perfect for filming the historical events of that period. Besides, these days we use film cameras, and the footage will need to be sent to the Beijing Film Studio for developing and continuous automatic printing before editing can begin. To ensure a release next year, we need to allow enough time.

Moreover, after filming this movie, Cao Zhong will also serve as a consultant for Jing Tian's films.

This was clearly stated in the contract beforehand.

To be honest, Cao Zhong was only confident about the final cut of the film; otherwise, the timeline would have been a major problem.

I checked out the cameras and video equipment used in this film; they're all top-of-the-line.

The main film camera was obtained from the Beijing Film Studio.

To be precise, it was obtained from Han Sanpin's head.

The reason I dared to kick Old Deng away was because I couldn't get help from him for the time being.

It uses the ARRICAM LT portable mainstream film camera, which is the most treasured camera of Beijing Film Studio. It has a built-in video auxiliary monitoring system, is durable, and is also compatible with widescreen lenses.

expensive.

It's worth over two million.

The backup model wasn't rented; it was obtained by Cao Zhong from the principal of Beijing Film Academy when the principal told him to shut up.

Aside from the 200,000, it's this Kodak B-series machine.

To achieve the best image quality and effect, Cao Zhong chose 35mm film.

It was so expensive it hurt his wallet.

In "Nanjing Photo Studio," there are actually many other cameras, all of which Cao Zhong acquired with the help of China Film Group. These include German Rolleiflex, Leica, and Zeiss cameras, as well as Japanese Minolta and Takahashi Optical Gelto film cameras.

Cao Zhong really put in the effort, choosing cameras that were all products of that era, just to ensure the audience's satisfaction with the details.

In conclusion, Cao Zhong chose the best equipment available at the moment to ensure the quality of the film.

Cao Zhong is really strict with actors when it comes to their pay.

But when it comes to movies, they really spend money.

The crew members' eyes lit up when they saw the equipment.

The actors were also somewhat shocked.

They didn't quite understand what Cao Zhong had just said.

But the cameras are all actors; who hasn't seen them before?

Xu Zheng was stunned.

Several of the films he shot were with a Nikon camera.

Where have I ever seen high-end German goods?

Cao Zhong organized a meeting and made all the actors listen carefully.

"I had already arranged for the assistant director of the Olympic bid to give everyone two books, 'The Diary of John Rabe' and 'The Diary of Minnie Vautrin.' Have you all read them?"

"Looked."

The actors all spoke in unison.

Besides memorizing their lines, they read these two books, and the more they read, the more astonished they became.

Cao Zhongdao said, "These two books actually stirred up emotions in everyone. First of all, I want to apologize to everyone. During the filming of the movie, it may have been difficult for everyone to get out of this mood, which is normal. But I need to make it clear that this is just a movie, and I hope everyone will not think too much about it."

“I told my senior brother Zufeng before that if this movie is made well, it’s possible that the family tree will have a separate page. I’m a very honest person, and everyone needs to trust me.”

"Everyone can see the public opinion surrounding our film. Let me be more explicit. There are too many rare films, and they are very afraid that we will make this type of film. If we succeed, you can imagine what kind of status you will have with General Manager Han Sanpin of China Film Group."

"So, without further ado, let's settle down, okay?"

Cao Zhong encouraged everyone, "I believe in you, and I hope you can believe in me too. I'm not just good at talking, nor am I just good at spreading rumors."

Cao Zhong's words reassured everyone.

Especially the promises made by Cao Zhong, they really do sound tempting!
"Director Shen Ao has already set up the film and television base. Some of the big scenes require a lot of extras, but we won't hire them for now. We'll organize a large number of college students at low prices and try to complete the shoot in the shortest possible time. We'll start by filming some indoor scenes to get the pace going."

Cao Zhong and the others arranged the next steps.

"So everyone must try their best. If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me. I can explain the scene to you. I understand every emotion you have in any shot. Don't be afraid to ask me. If you ask me and we ruin the film, I won't be angry."

But if you don't ask, don't blame me for turning ruthless.

Cao Zhong went from being earnest and earnest at the beginning to being ruthless at the end.

The director's imposing presence quickly spread throughout his body.

Huang Xiaoming, Xu Zheng, Mei Ting, and others were completely unaware that Cao Zhong was a nineteen-year-old young man.

His confidence shocked everyone.

Afterwards, Cao Zhong found lighting, photography, and art direction staff, and even called Han Zheng over to give him detailed instructions.

Finally, Cao Zhong summoned Wang Renjun and Qi Jiuzhou.

"You two are like brothers to me. You two need to be active and help me a lot on set. Understand?"

"Brother Zhong, we understand!"

"Then I'll tell you what the most important step in starting a movie is."

Cao Zhongdao.

“I know,” Qi Jiuzhou, as the director’s son, had been exposed to the technology and immediately learned to answer quickly. “It’s clapperboard, which records the scene and the number of takes to provide data for film processing.”

Cao Zhong nodded, then shook his head.

He lowered his head, his voice low but solemn.

"We can't throw away the film footage!"

Cao Zhong whispered, "We must always be careful and vigilant; there are bad people among the crowd!"

The two brothers from Taoyuan were startled.

I suddenly felt a great sense of mission!

(End of this chapter)