The studio where Wei Yifa works is actually much simpler than Xu Ji thought.
The various luxurious decorations you imagined did not exist, but instead there were many books of various types.
There are also several projectors and film from the previous era.
The most eye-catching thing is the various awards that exist in the bookshelf, from Hong Kong to mainland, and even some international awards.
"Director Xu, welcome to Hong Kong City!"
There are still some differences between Wei Yifa and Xu Ji's imagination.
As a person who is close to sixty years old, although he has done special maintenance, his face inevitably still has many traces of time.
There are quite a few differences from the characters Xu Ji saw in movies when he was a child.
However, Wei Yifa's overall mental state is very good.
It actually made Xu Ji feel a little more relieved.
The drama Xu Ji chose this time still has some action scenes.
Although the difficulty is not great, some hard work is inevitable.
"Hello, Teacher Wei!"
"I've only seen it in movies since I was a child, but this time I finally saw it in real life."
......
After a brief exchange of greetings, Xu Ji also sat down on the sofa in the room.
Wei Yifa's attitude towards him was better than Xu Ji imagined.
There is no colored glasses because of Xu Ji’s age or qualifications.
The hospitality is impeccable.
"Director Xu, I don't know why you came to Hong Kong City specifically to see me this time because..."
Wei Yifa and Xu Ji communicated in Mandarin.
Xu Ji can speak Hong Kong dialect, but his speaking skills are not very good.
Wei Yifa has worked with some mainland directors and crews many times in the past.
My Mandarin is very standard, and I can barely hear the accent from the Hong Kong city.
Xu Ji didn't intend to beat around the bush and answered directly:
"Teacher Wei, the reason I came here this time is to invite you to join my crew."
Wei Yifa was actually not surprised by this.
For a director like Xu Ji, who came all the way to Hong Kong City, there is no other reason for him not to film.
However, Wei Yifa showed some hesitation at this time.
"Director Xu, you may not know that I haven't filmed a film or TV series for a long time."
Movie stars like Wei Yifa usually rarely lower themselves to film and television dramas once they become successful.
Except for some roles he played on a Hong Kong TV station when he first debuted, he has basically only been active on the big screen in movies since then.
"But..."
"If the script is not bad, I will actually consider it."
Wei Yifa did not say anything to death.
Mainly because he did have some feelings for Xu Ji.
I have also watched some of the film and television dramas that the other party has filmed before.
It was also because of Xu Ji's ability as a screenwriter that Wei Yifa agreed to this meeting.
Of course, and Xu Ji is here too, even if he is dissatisfied, there is no way he will let them go back without even reading the script.
This approach is somewhat impolite.
What surprised Wei Yifa was that Xu Ji did not take out the script immediately, but explained again:
"Teacher Wei, actually, when I come here this time, I want to invite you to star in not a TV series but a movie."…
Wei Yifa was stunned for a moment when he heard Xu Ji's words.
He got the news that Xu Ji should be a film and television director.
"Are you planning to make a movie?"
Hearing Wei Yifa's question, Xu Ji nodded.
When Wei Yifa heard this, he immediately felt a little uninterested.
Mainly because although the difference between film and television drama directors and movie directors may not seem big, there are very few who can successfully transcend this level of identity
Most of the outstanding film and television directors who have turned to filmmaking have quit.
Although Xu Ji may not be one of the vast majority.
But judging from Wei Yifa’s past experience.
The younger and more energetic so-called geniuses are, the more they realize the cruelty of reality.
Therefore, there are not a few people who have been beaten to the point of being unable to recover.
Of course, Wei Yifa would not open his mouth to persuade this young man whom he had just met for the first time today.
But he still said without any abnormality:
"Can you show me the script?"
Although he said he was reading the script, Wei Yifa was already brewing in his mind what he would say if he would refuse.
Xu Ji didn't know what the other person was thinking at this time.
Handed the prepared script to the other party.
......
Although he knows the outcome, Wei Yifa has always maintained a good habit of being serious when working.
So after I got the script, I sat down in my office chair and read it very solemnly.
Wei Yifa is not like some Hong Kong stars of the same period, who have basically retired.
There was also a movie released in the Mainland during the Spring Festival last year.
Although it is no longer as glorious as it once was, it has still achieved good results.
He reads a lot of scripts every month. Although he is not picky about the choice of roles, he is not someone who randomly accepts roles for the sake of salary.
Xu Ji was also very patient, waiting quietly for the other party to read the script.
At the beginning, Wei Yifa didn't pay much attention to the plot.
But the further he looked down, Wei Yifa was shocked.
This is a very mature commercial film script. It is hard to imagine that it was written by a new screenwriter and director like Xu Ji who has never made a movie before.
I have to say that he was a little excited at this time.
Perhaps the common sense he knew did not apply to the person in front of him.
More than half an hour passed in the blink of an eye.
Slowly, Wei Yifa turned through the pages of the script in his hand, and finally reached the final ending.
"What the fuck?!
Wei Yifa suddenly spoke subconsciously.
It’s actually reversed?!
I originally thought it was a normal commercial film, but when I saw the end, Wei Yifa realized that this movie turned out to be a suspense film!
And many of the previous plots, when I think about it, are full of details.
This trick is really surprising.
After reading the ending, Wei Yifa did not put down the script, but turned to the beginning again.
I quickly read it again.
It’s a new experience again, and it feels very different from the previous one.
......
"Director Xu, I acted in "Wushuang"!"
Putting down the script, the first sentence Wei Yifa said was this...
Xu Ji breathed a sigh of relief.
Although Xu Ji knew that he could see the other party before coming, the probability of success was definitely not small.
But after all, the other party is really not short of money or acting, and there is no possibility of rejection.
As for Wei Yifa, he actually has his own ideas.
The most important thing is that he is quite satisfied with the script Xu Ji produced.
Secondly, he is quite optimistic about this young man Xu Ji.
Maybe he will become a famous director in the future.
Being able to work with such a promising young actor is a good thing for him.
After all, Wei Yifa now has his own company, and there are many artists in Hong Kong City.
In the past, celebrities in Hong Kong City actually liked to develop in Hong Kong City, and some even resisted going to the mainland.
But things are different now. The mainland market is really different.
Too big.
However, stars in Hong Kong, especially some newcomers, are not easy to break into the mainland market.
If there are favors like Xu Ji's, it will also be a good thing for the development of new people under the company.
Compared with Xu Ji, the three major entertainment companies in the mainland are more difficult to deal with.
Without paying some price, it is difficult to get back the resources you want.
"Happy cooperation!"
The two stretched out their hands and held them together.
Xu Ji's first movie can be regarded as officially confirming a key role actor.
......
Xu Ji did not leave Hong Kong City.
Although Wei Yifa has agreed to join the crew, there is no need for an audition based on his acting skills.
However, the process of drafting relevant contracts is still quite troublesome.
Xu Ji has already contacted Youman and asked him to send a lawyer from the company.
As for the remuneration, Xu Ji's original budget for Wei Yifa was around 20 million to 30 million.
The other party's worth is not a secret, Xu Ji asked about it before he came.
But unexpectedly, this time Wei Yifa took the initiative to propose that the remuneration was only 15 million.
It's like giving Xu Ji a favor.
Xu Ji knew that for Wei Yifa, a Hong Kong star with his own company.
They all attach great importance to the development of their company's artists in the mainland.
The other party took less remuneration, obviously wanting to reach a long-term cooperation with Tongji Entertainment.
Including some future dramas of Tongji Entertainment, under the same conditions, actors from Wei Yifa Company will definitely be chosen.
......
When Xu Ji returned to Rongcheng, it was already three days later.
This trip to Hong Kong City was smoother than Xu Ji imagined.
At present, the main actors have been confirmed.
The next step is to set up the crew and make preparations, and then officially start shooting.
Tongji Entertainment’s current crew has been divided into three groups.
The crews of Pang Er and Yang Anran also need people.
In addition to the old people from Tongji, staff in various positions need to be recruited.
Fortunately, Xu Ji doesn't have to do this himself. The assistant director Xu Ji selected this time is also someone who, like Pang Er, has followed him since "The Best of Us".
Just leave the recruitment matters to the assistant director.
Xu Ji doesn’t have to take personal responsibility for every detail like before.
......
"Director Xu, are you back?"…
Wan Rongli was a little surprised when he saw Xu Ji.
During this time, he has been concentrating on the script Xu Ji gave him.
The more I watched it, the more Wan Rongli felt that Xu Ji's "Wushuang" should be a good quality movie.
The only thing that worries him is that in addition to himself, this drama is equivalent to having another one.
Moreover, the two of them will have a lot of rivalry scenes, and I don’t know who Xu Ji plans to find to play them.
The first thing Xu Ji did when he came back was naturally to find Wanrongli.
The other party is basically the most important person in this movie.
"How did you read the script?" Xu Ji asked.
Wan Rongli was a little nervous, he knew very well that his role was hard-earned.
So I cherish it very much.
"There are no problems with the plot."
"Recently I'm trying to write biographies."
......
Xu Ji nodded. Although Wan Rongli's acting skills actually made Xu Ji not worried.
But I’m just afraid that the other party won’t take me seriously.
"You should be well prepared. I estimate that the shooting will start around next month."
"There should be plenty of time left for you."
Wan Rongli nodded.
Then he hesitated and asked:
"By the way, Director Xu, I would like to ask if Wu Fusheng's role has been decided yet?"
Seeing Xu Ji nod, he subconsciously asked: "Who is it?"
Xu Ji didn't intend to hide the location.
"You should know him too."
"Wei Yifa."
Xu Ji's tone was very indifferent, but Wan Rongli seemed less indifferent.
"Who?!"
"Brother Fa?!
Wan Rongli never thought that Xu Ji would invite Wei Yifa!
With the other party’s popularity and achievements, how could I not recognize him?
In fact, after reading the script, the image I imagined for the character Wu Fusheng, Wan Rongli’s opposite, was Wei Yifa’s.
Now I feel like my dream has come true.
When Wan Rongli was at his most popular, he actually only looked up to Wei Yifa.
The other party can also be regarded as one of the enlightenment mentors in Wan Rongli’s career as an actor.
Who hasn’t watched two of Wei Yifa’s classic Hong Kong films?
"Don't worry, Director Xu, I will never hold you back!"
Wan Rongli said to Xu Ji with a serious expression at this time.
He knew how rare the opportunity Xu Ji gave him was.
Not only is the quality of the script and characters high, but Wei Yifa was even specially invited to act with him.
Such treatment, even among top-tier actors, is a resource that needs to be fought for.
It also shows how much Xu Ji trusts him, a person who has just joined the company.
And the wait I had some time ago seems to be worth it now!
At that time, after seeing Tongji Entertainment's contract and the working model of artists, he was still a little afraid that he would be left alone.
Now it seems that a villain’s heart is used to judge a gentleman’s belly.
......
Xu Ji didn't pay much attention to Wan Rongli's excited expression.
In addition to filming the movie "Wushuang", he still has a lot of things to do now.
The first is the preparation issue for the company's other two dramas "White Night" and "Soul of Chess"...
Progress in all aspects is relatively smooth.
Pang Er's side is quite experienced, so Xu Ji doesn't need to worry.
Although Yang Anran, who is a director for the first time, is relatively new, he still has some abilities and a very serious attitude, so there shouldn't be much of a problem.
The only thing that made Xu Ji a little embarrassed was the choice of actors this time.
Pang Er and Yang Anran originally had a very good relationship, but this time they had a huge quarrel.
They actually want Ji Yiyang to be the protagonist of their drama.
Time goes back to the day when Xu Ji took out the script.
At that time, after Ji Yiyang read the script of "White Night", he made up his mind to act in this drama.
Although it is a challenge for him, it is also the key to breaking through his acting skills.
Pang Er originally felt that Ji Yiyang's current acting skills were not suitable.
But after the other party pleaded, he still gave me the opportunity to audition.
What people didn’t expect was that Ji Yiyang performed perfectly during the audition.
I don’t know if it’s because of his mature role in “Soldier Assault” that his current acting skills are completely different from those in the past.
Pang Er was cautious and auditioned several more key scenes.
Then the more I looked at it, the more suitable it seemed, and I finally settled on it.
Let Ji Yiyang play two roles, Guan Hongfeng and Guan Hongyu.
But on the other hand, Yang Anran was not happy.
Because of the script of the drama "Soul of Chess", after reading it, his first choice for the protagonist Shi Guang was Ji Yiyang!
So I found Ji Yiyang and asked him what he thought.
Ji Yiyang actually read the script of "The Soul of Chess" later and liked it quite a lot.
But because I have already taken it
When I got the lead role in "White Night", I wanted to politely refuse.
Then, it happened that Yang Anran started to pry the corners like crazy.
Pang Er found out that the other party was actually stealing the house, how could he bear it!
The two finally quarreled and came to Xu Ji's place.