The production process for a movie that was to be released in theaters was far more complicated than expected.
After signing the contract, the team formed was going to start immediately.
Director, cinematographer, artistic director, martial arts director, special effects team.
On the first step of finding a director, the team of producers had a disagreement.
As the first producer, An Xiaofang preferred Wilson Yip or Li Rengang. They were both directors that she had worked with before, and they were very good at making action movies.
Director Yip’s Ip Man and Director Li’s Uniformed Guards were the peak of domestic action films in recent years.
1
However, from Wang Yan’s point of view, they were somewhat unsatisfactory.
Our Young Master Wang was the second producer and the main investor. If he had any objections, everyone would have to continue discussing.
An Xiaofang asked, “Young Master Wang, which aspect of Director Yip are you not satisfied with?”
“This year, Director Yip is going to shoot to the top. Next year, there will be Ip Man 3. From now to then, he will give us four months to shoot. Isn’t that a little too arrogant?”
Young Master Wang’s imposing manner was astonishing. He directly accused a great director of being arrogant. Yida Films and the investment representative of Zhongying Digital looked at each other. They both felt that this young man was not easy to fool.
An Xiaofang patiently explained, “In our movie, the main action and side effects are very simple to shoot. Four months is more than enough time…”
“President An, I believe that we can finish shooting in four months. We might even be able to do it faster. We won’t even need two months.”
When Wang Yan said this, An Xiaofang frowned. “Then what’s the problem?”
“As an investor, I feel that this attitude isn’t good enough.”
They squeezed out four months between filming the two movies to rush to the set. If they came, we would film. When we finished filming, they would leave. They didn’t even know what they had to do. Were they messing around?
Wang Yan didn’t leave any face for anyone. He spoke very directly.
“The director does not have to be famous, but he has to be passionate.
“He has to take our movie seriously. He has to like this story from the bottom of his heart and wants to make a good movie.”
“He can’t just start shooting and make a personal movie like he’s handling an errand.”
“The personal styles of those two directors are very strong, but our movie has a style as well. Are Director Yip and Director Li ready to break through?
“I believe that in terms of directing skills, their lower limits are very high.”
However, without that kind of sincere attitude and determination to change, the things that will be filmed will at most be the bottom line.
“I firmly disagree with Director Yip’s four months.”
Clap clap clap!
Li Yixu suddenly clapped, his face full of admiration.
“Young Master Wang’s words hit the bottom of my heart. I firmly agree. No matter what you do, sincerity is the most important.”
The person-in-charge of Yida Films was surnamed Zhang, and the person-in-charge of Zhongying Digital was surnamed Li. Both of them nodded at the same time.
“That’s indeed the case. You can’t be perfunctory when it comes to artistic creation.”
An Xiaofang did not continue to insist on a score of four to one.
“Okay, Director Yip, Pass. What about Director Li?”
“The view of the Three Kingdoms, Dragon Unloads Armor, Uniformed Guards, Hongmen Banquet, Manchuria Express, and the Mighty Army of Heaven. I personally don’t like all of Director Li’s films in recent years. Director Li can’t make a good witch.”
Young Master Wang didn’t hesitate. His reason was straightforward and condescending.
Regardless of whether he was right or not, the main investor’s momentum was unstoppable.
Li Yixu immediately expressed his support. “The box office earnings of ‘Heavenly General’ are too dismal. We can’t risk The Witch.”
Zhang and Li nodded and continued to nod.
An Xiaofang wasn’t angry.
She had the professionalism that she should have. Wang Yan was doing everything for the good of the movie. Differences could be resolved through communication.
“Young Master Wang, you are a screenwriter. What kind of person do you think we should find to take the helm of our movie?”
Screenwriter Wang’s train of thought was very clear.
“A master of composition. It would be best if he is a cinematographer.”
“The script is detailed enough. I have all the fighting scenes in my mind. The narration and action parts do not need the director to worry too much.”
“The most important thing is for the director to improve the quality of the movie. The picture, the color, and the training of the actors.”
“Therefore, we don’t really need a big director who has too many ideas. We need a paranoid person who loves details.”
“How about… finding a new director?”
A new director?
The two nodded and looked at each other.
However, An Xiaofang didn’t have any objections. Not only did she have no objections, she even agreed with Wang Yan’s attitude.
“No one knows and loves The Witch more than you. Your opinion of Director Yip, Director Li, and your requirements for the director all prove that you have a holistic view of the project.”
“From the producer’s point of view, this is a sign of control.”
“Very well, let’s do it your way. I think our cooperation will be very pleasant.”
Li Yixu smiled and joked with the two nods.
“The reason why I must participate in Young Master Wang’s project is because of Young Master Wang’s strong confidence.
“Young Master Wang is not blindly confident. He has a bold and practical plan with clear thinking and a vision of the overall situation.
“Director Zhang, Director Li, Wang is a very capable leader who is good at creating miracles. You can rest assured about our team of producers.”
They nodded and nodded.
The nodding monsters were in high spirits.
An Xiaofang was experienced, Wang Yan had the ability and attitude, and Li Yixu was tactful and good at communication. This was indeed a good team.
Having a good team did not necessarily mean that they could make a good film.
However, if one wanted to make a good film, one had to have a good team.
Looking at the current situation, The Witch had a great chance of becoming a good film.
Next, everyone had a full exchange of views on a series of issues. They basically confirmed the director’s ability and style, the martial arts team, the photography art, the main shooting scenes, and so on.
Thanks to the detailed level of the script, a lot of preliminary work could be carried out at the same time.
The director was the most troublesome problem, but An Xiaofang seemed to be full of confidence.
After the meeting, everyone went about their own business. Wang Yan stepped on the flight to the capital.
It was time to check on the condition of the little princess and Reyi Nawu.
Today was November 25th. If nothing went wrong, they would start shooting around February 15th next year. It was the auspicious day of the year, the eighth day of the New Year.
We will finish shooting in 45 days. It will be at the end of March and the beginning of April.
The special effects of the post-production are quite simple. We will definitely be able to complete the film before the end of May. Then, we will immediately start the distribution of the license.
Everything will go smoothly. We will be able to release the film in July and compete for the summer slot.
If things don’t go well, we will have to overturn the original marketing plan. We will either find an off-season or compete for the holiday on the 11th.
Don’t even think about the spring festival slot at the beginning of the 17th year. It will be impossible to get it.
That was the battlefield of the truly top-notch directors and top-notch teams. Wasn’t Brother Zheng’s Baby Black-Skinned Star-Lord one of them qualified to squeeze in?
Moreover, The Witch wasn’t that kind of family-friendly comedy, to begin with. There was no point in taking the spring festival slot. It was really the most useful summer slot.
If they wanted to snatch the summer slot, they had to make every second count.
The main creative team had two and a half months to make preparations in the early stage. They were very experienced and could do their work very well.
It was mainly the team of actors.
If the actors were in good condition, the progress of the shoot would be rapid.
If the actors were not good enough, 45 days might not be enough.
And among all the actors, the most important one was Fu Yushi, the absolute female lead’s condition.
She could not support it. This film was just a floating action film, relying on a few fighting scenes to attract people’s attention — just like the original Witch.
If she could afford it, they would want more.
Of course, the original Witch didn’t do badly either.
It was just a bit of a pity that there were too many things that weren’t done well and didn’t reach the upper limit that should have been reached.
Half of the reason was that the investment was too small and the budget was too tight.
The other half was the director’s own shortcomings.
The original director, Park Hyun-Jung, was a scriptwriter. Improper Trade and New World showed his writing talent to the fullest.
However, focusing too much on portraying human nature may be a common problem for these types of scriptwriters.
They had the advantage of making drama films and crime films.
If they were to make action films, they would have to deal with the depth of human nature.
What the hell?
The dreary narration in the early stages of the original demoness seriously lowered the explosive feeling in the later stages.
After the enjoyable action scenes, they created a lot of so-called “puzzle-solving” that added to the complexity and mystification. It was a failure that slowed the tempo down even further.
Anyway, when Wang Yan was watching the movie, he felt that the director’s brain was like a watt.
Was it cool enough? Did it feel great? It was awkward, as if there were feces mixed in a piece of chocolate.
It was still chocolate. When it tasted good, it was really delicious. The rest of the time, he had to endure the strange taste.
The screenwriter’s version would never be like that. The storyline would go from one level to the other until the end.
But, could the little princess do it?
Could she use her acting skills and grace to prop up the early stage?
This was a problem.
If she couldn’t fulfill Wang Yan’s request… then you’d have to find another actress!
With determination, Young Master Wang valiantly charged on.
The production process for a movie that was to be released in theaters was far more complicated than expected.
After signing the contract, the team formed was going to start immediately.
Director, cinematographer, artistic director, martial arts director, special effects team.
On the first step of finding a director, the team of producers had a disagreement.
As the first producer, An Xiaofang preferred Wilson Yip or Li Rengang. They were both directors that she had worked with before, and they were very good at making action movies.
Director Yip’s Ip Man and Director Li’s Uniformed Guards were the peak of domestic action films in recent years.
1
However, from Wang Yan’s point of view, they were somewhat unsatisfactory.
Our Young Master Wang was the second producer and the main investor. If he had any objections, everyone would have to continue discussing.
An Xiaofang asked, “Young Master Wang, which aspect of Director Yip are you not satisfied with?”
“This year, Director Yip is going to shoot to the top. Next year, there will be Ip Man 3. From now to then, he will give us four months to shoot. Isn’t that a little too arrogant?”
Young Master Wang’s imposing manner was astonishing. He directly accused a great director of being arrogant. Yida Films and the investment representative of Zhongying Digital looked at each other. They both felt that this young man was not easy to fool.
An Xiaofang patiently explained, “In our movie, the main action and side effects are very simple to shoot. Four months is more than enough time…”
“President An, I believe that we can finish shooting in four months. We might even be able to do it faster. We won’t even need two months.”
When Wang Yan said this, An Xiaofang frowned. “Then what’s the problem?”
“As an investor, I feel that this attitude isn’t good enough.”
They squeezed out four months between filming the two movies to rush to the set. If they came, we would film. When we finished filming, they would leave. They didn’t even know what they had to do. Were they messing around?
Wang Yan didn’t leave any face for anyone. He spoke very directly.
“The director does not have to be famous, but he has to be passionate.
“He has to take our movie seriously. He has to like this story from the bottom of his heart and wants to make a good movie.”
“He can’t just start shooting and make a personal movie like he’s handling an errand.”
“The personal styles of those two directors are very strong, but our movie has a style as well. Are Director Yip and Director Li ready to break through?
“I believe that in terms of directing skills, their lower limits are very high.”
However, without that kind of sincere attitude and determination to change, the things that will be filmed will at most be the bottom line.
“I firmly disagree with Director Yip’s four months.”
Clap clap clap!
Li Yixu suddenly clapped, his face full of admiration.
“Young Master Wang’s words hit the bottom of my heart. I firmly agree. No matter what you do, sincerity is the most important.”
The person-in-charge of Yida Films was surnamed Zhang, and the person-in-charge of Zhongying Digital was surnamed Li. Both of them nodded at the same time.
“That’s indeed the case. You can’t be perfunctory when it comes to artistic creation.”
An Xiaofang did not continue to insist on a score of four to one.
“Okay, Director Yip, Pass. What about Director Li?”
“The view of the Three Kingdoms, Dragon Unloads Armor, Uniformed Guards, Hongmen Banquet, Manchuria Express, and the Mighty Army of Heaven. I personally don’t like all of Director Li’s films in recent years. Director Li can’t make a good witch.”
Young Master Wang didn’t hesitate. His reason was straightforward and condescending.
Regardless of whether he was right or not, the main investor’s momentum was unstoppable.
Li Yixu immediately expressed his support. “The box office earnings of ‘Heavenly General’ are too dismal. We can’t risk The Witch.”
Zhang and Li nodded and continued to nod.
An Xiaofang wasn’t angry.
She had the professionalism that she should have. Wang Yan was doing everything for the good of the movie. Differences could be resolved through communication.
“Young Master Wang, you are a screenwriter. What kind of person do you think we should find to take the helm of our movie?”
Screenwriter Wang’s train of thought was very clear.
“A master of composition. It would be best if he is a cinematographer.”
“The script is detailed enough. I have all the fighting scenes in my mind. The narration and action parts do not need the director to worry too much.”
“The most important thing is for the director to improve the quality of the movie. The picture, the color, and the training of the actors.”
“Therefore, we don’t really need a big director who has too many ideas. We need a paranoid person who loves details.”
“How about… finding a new director?”
A new director?
The two nodded and looked at each other.
However, An Xiaofang didn’t have any objections. Not only did she have no objections, she even agreed with Wang Yan’s attitude.
“No one knows and loves The Witch more than you. Your opinion of Director Yip, Director Li, and your requirements for the director all prove that you have a holistic view of the project.”
“From the producer’s point of view, this is a sign of control.”
“Very well, let’s do it your way. I think our cooperation will be very pleasant.”
Li Yixu smiled and joked with the two nods.
“The reason why I must participate in Young Master Wang’s project is because of Young Master Wang’s strong confidence.
“Young Master Wang is not blindly confident. He has a bold and practical plan with clear thinking and a vision of the overall situation.
“Director Zhang, Director Li, Wang is a very capable leader who is good at creating miracles. You can rest assured about our team of producers.”
They nodded and nodded.
The nodding monsters were in high spirits.
An Xiaofang was experienced, Wang Yan had the ability and attitude, and Li Yixu was tactful and good at communication. This was indeed a good team.
Having a good team did not necessarily mean that they could make a good film.
However, if one wanted to make a good film, one had to have a good team.
Looking at the current situation, The Witch had a great chance of becoming a good film.
Next, everyone had a full exchange of views on a series of issues. They basically confirmed the director’s ability and style, the martial arts team, the photography art, the main shooting scenes, and so on.
Thanks to the detailed level of the script, a lot of preliminary work could be carried out at the same time.
The director was the most troublesome problem, but An Xiaofang seemed to be full of confidence.
After the meeting, everyone went about their own business. Wang Yan stepped on the flight to the capital.
It was time to check on the condition of the little princess and Reyi Nawu.
Today was November 25th. If nothing went wrong, they would start shooting around February 15th next year. It was the auspicious day of the year, the eighth day of the New Year.
We will finish shooting in 45 days. It will be at the end of March and the beginning of April.
The special effects of the post-production are quite simple. We will definitely be able to complete the film before the end of May. Then, we will immediately start the distribution of the license.
Everything will go smoothly. We will be able to release the film in July and compete for the summer slot.
If things don’t go well, we will have to overturn the original marketing plan. We will either find an off-season or compete for the holiday on the 11th.
Don’t even think about the spring festival slot at the beginning of the 17th year. It will be impossible to get it.
That was the battlefield of the truly top-notch directors and top-notch teams. Wasn’t Brother Zheng’s Baby Black-Skinned Star-Lord one of them qualified to squeeze in?
Moreover, The Witch wasn’t that kind of family-friendly comedy, to begin with. There was no point in taking the spring festival slot. It was really the most useful summer slot.
If they wanted to snatch the summer slot, they had to make every second count.
The main creative team had two and a half months to make preparations in the early stage. They were very experienced and could do their work very well.
It was mainly the team of actors.
If the actors were in good condition, the progress of the shoot would be rapid.
If the actors were not good enough, 45 days might not be enough.
And among all the actors, the most important one was Fu Yushi, the absolute female lead’s condition.
She could not support it. This film was just a floating action film, relying on a few fighting scenes to attract people’s attention — just like the original Witch.
If she could afford it, they would want more.
Of course, the original Witch didn’t do badly either.
It was just a bit of a pity that there were too many things that weren’t done well and didn’t reach the upper limit that should have been reached.
Half of the reason was that the investment was too small and the budget was too tight.
The other half was the director’s own shortcomings.
The original director, Park Hyun-Jung, was a scriptwriter. Improper Trade and New World showed his writing talent to the fullest.
However, focusing too much on portraying human nature may be a common problem for these types of scriptwriters.
They had the advantage of making drama films and crime films.
If they were to make action films, they would have to deal with the depth of human nature.
What the hell?
The dreary narration in the early stages of the original demoness seriously lowered the explosive feeling in the later stages.
After the enjoyable action scenes, they created a lot of so-called “puzzle-solving” that added to the complexity and mystification. It was a failure that slowed the tempo down even further.
Anyway, when Wang Yan was watching the movie, he felt that the director’s brain was like a watt.
Was it cool enough? Did it feel great? It was awkward, as if there were feces mixed in a piece of chocolate.
It was still chocolate. When it tasted good, it was really delicious. The rest of the time, he had to endure the strange taste.
The screenwriter’s version would never be like that. The storyline would go from one level to the other until the end.
But, could the little princess do it?
Could she use her acting skills and grace to prop up the early stage?
This was a problem.
If she couldn’t fulfill Wang Yan’s request… then you’d have to find another actress!
With determination, Young Master Wang valiantly charged on.
