The studio that Yu Hui was talking about was actually a small road on the edge of the Bund in the harbor city called Banbei Tongjin.
This name may seem a bit weird to friends from other places, but in fact, in the Cantonese speaking area, "Tin" means wharf. Many paths along the river are named "Tongjin", and "Fan" means "Tongjin". Refers to foreign countries, foreign countries, and the word "Bei" means "back".
Therefore, the four words "Banbei Tongjin" are translated as "the path behind the foreigner's residence leading to the seaside pier."
The reason why it became the location for this shooting is that there are many small Western-style buildings in the early port city that combine Chinese and Western styles, with bright Manchurian windows, round arches, red brick walls or bluestone walls. Those old houses are surrounded by flowers and trees. Mottled with silence, many of them have walls, gardens, and private courtyards. When you peek inside, you can see how deep the courtyards are.
Moreover, there are many cafes downstairs here, which can be regarded as a rare quiet corner beside the Bund. Many white-collar elites and artistic young people working nearby like to come here to take a rest. It is a romantic and bourgeois place. A stylish street, very suitable for film and television shooting.
When He Tianran and others arrived at the set, they had already seen many staff members from the art team and props team preparing to set up the scenery. When they saw him and Yu Hui arriving, the bosses of each team stepped forward to say hello:
"Director He, Director Yu~"
"Director He, Director Yu..."
The boss of the props team was holding a flower bed in one hand, and took out a pack of Heliqun from his pocket with the other hand, shook it twice, and handed over the cigarette in a familiar manner. Yu Hui lit it with the fire and blew out a puff of smoke, and was about to light it for He Tianran. When he came up, he waved the hand holding the cigarette and looked around, indicating that he was not in a hurry.
He explained to the bosses of the two groups: "Today is Director Yu's business. Just listen to him. I will go with the client. Thank you for your hard work. Director Yu will buy you coffee later. If you like You order it yourself first, and let him do the work of paying for it."
"Okay~Thank you, Director Yu Da!"
"Don't worry, brother."
After patting Yu Hui on the back to encourage him, He Tianran, who had nothing to do on the set, leisurely walked into a coffee shop where the interior shots would be taken later.
At the counter, there was a woman sitting in casual clothes, round-rimmed glasses, and a bang sticker on the end of her forehead.
At this moment, her fingers were flying on the keyboard of the notebook. He Tianran sat down quietly and called out flatteringly:
"Sister Taozi..."
"roll."
"Okay~"
The woman yelled angrily, and He Tianran responded with a playful smile, but did not move. In the end, the woman closed the notebook with a snap and turned her head.
This person is Yao Qingtao, the senior student He Tianran met in the library of the University of Hong Kong.
"What's wrong? Did you take gun medicine today?"
Seeing her expression, He Tianran asked angrily.
Yao Qingtao did not answer immediately, but stared coldly at the cigarette held between He Tianran's fingers and said angrily:
"When I borrowed the scenery, the owner told me that smoking is not allowed in the store."
"Tsk, look at you, you didn't even think about smoking."
He Tianran frowned and threw the cigarette in his hand on the counter table.
Yao Qingtao calmed down and started talking about business:
"The artist arrived ten minutes before you and is now putting on makeup in the nanny's van. However, news came from them at three in the morning, saying that they would use their own photographer and replace Teacher Chen."
He Tianran was stunned when she heard the news. The teacher she referred to as Teacher Chen was the photographer in charge of this shooting. She had collaborated with He Tianran many times before, and both parties had a tacit understanding.
"Hey, I like artists who are on time, but I don't like artists who try to steal my camera. This is a big name, and they also have designated photographers. Why didn't you mention it when we communicated before?"
"I mentioned it a long time ago when we first communicated, but the photographer didn't have time and said no. Hum, it would be great if it was really a big name. The first sister of their company, Bai Lingye, is not so picky." Yao Qingtao There was disdain in his mouth.
He Tianran did not answer the question, but asked seriously: "Who is the replacement?"
Yao Qingtao reopened the computer, and an electronic resume and portfolio were displayed on the screen. He Tianran took a closer look and saw that it was a guy named Cai Jueming. He studied in the photography department of the Film School as an undergraduate, and he was from the same school as He Tianran.
By the way, I forgot to mention that He Tianran is currently a third-year graduate student in the Directing Department of the Film Academy. Yu Hui, who is busy directing outside on the set, is in the same class as him. Originally, He Tianran should be one year older than him, but because he studied management for an extra year, class, so now they are in the same level.
"Looking at his resume, this guy has been working on the crew in the past few years. Does he have any TVC commercials?" He Tianran asked.
"Yes, it's still being downloaded. I just received it." Yao Qingtao held her hand and said with hesitation, "Would you like to... have some fresh air with Yu Hui and communicate with Teacher Chen."
"Of course I have to say that, but I'm just here to see the show today. My main job is to chat with clients. I'm not a director, so you don't have to count on me."
"You really don't care?" Yao Qingtao raised an eyebrow.
"No way."
Having said that, He Tianran picked up the cigarette again and began to take the shredded tobacco out of the cigarette holder bit by bit with both hands and put it on the table. While he was thinking about it, he said the solution:
“How much does this photographer charge for a day?”
"Ten thousand and fourty a day."
"The equipment also includes a focus operator, and what about the camera assistants? Teacher Chen leads his own team, so if he replaces it, everyone has to follow. This guy is just a bare-bones commander, and he doesn't even use the machine."
“The fees are all included.”
He Tianran was stunned, thinking that it was quite cheap after all, but he definitely couldn't say this out loud.
"The artist has to pay for this fee. There is no need to negotiate the conditions for this kind of temporary increase. We can't pay for it. You don't have to change it on Teacher Chen's side. At worst, the two-camera shooting will be faster. The artist's manager will wait. When she comes, just find an opportunity and go up alone to argue with her. They won't care about it.
I'll go and tell Yu Hui later that I'm worried that multiple cameras will disrupt his rhythm, but it shouldn't be a big problem. By the way, are artists afraid of looking ugly in the photos, so they use their own people? "
He Tianran asked unhurriedly.
Yao Qingtao thought for a while and guessed: "It doesn't look like it. It's probably... a favor."
"Ah, then I understand...this is...an underground lover?"
He Tianran's spirit of gossip suddenly ignited. Even though there was no one around them, he lowered his voice as if he was hiding his ears.
"Impossible, this artist didn't even film a kissing scene. It would be so blatant. He must be a relative or friend." Yao Qingtao also lowered his voice and lowered his head.
"Really? Oh, yes, yes, I remember Lingye doesn't do kissing scenes either. Their company has this in their contract."
He Tianran suddenly thought of it.
Yao Qingtao winked and said, "Director He, did you still keep in touch with Lingye after you finished filming last year?"
He Tianran suddenly straightened up and spoke righteously: "Comrade Yao Qingtao, don't knock on CP. Others are knocking on male and female actors. You knock on me, a director and a female lead. What kind of evil CP is this..."
"Oh, who told us, Director He, to be so popular~! Moreover, chatting with CP is a necessity for those of us who like melons."
Yao Qingtao joked.
Here, I have to make some digressions.
The "Future Production" film and television company was established when He Tianran was admitted to the directing department as a graduate student. His father, He Panshan, invested 3 million to establish a film and television company. However, due to the chain of distribution, publicity, and integrated marketing, there are still many problems. It has not been opened, so the main business now is still focused on the planning and shooting of some advertisements, movies and TV series.
Therefore, it is more appropriate to say that it is a company, rather than He Tianran's personal director studio.
However, last year, He Tianran filmed a fantasy and suspense web drama adapted from the IP of a women's online novel called "A Thousand Knots of Hearts". Naturally, the bulk of the investment was from his father's Shanhai Group. The heroine was looking for someone who was not yet available at the time The second-tier actress Bai Lingye is tepid, and the male lead is not a big star.
When news of the show's launch was released, the biggest publicity point was not the IP or the starring role, but He Tianran, the crown prince of Shanhai Group...
This kind of online drama, in which the second generation of rich people who represent capital personally act, it is difficult not to stir up topics. At first, netizens speculated that this was just for fun, saying that this was the prince's choice of concubine, and it was nothing more than gambling. A farce with a beautiful smile, no matter what, this topic really attracted the attention of many passers-by and water friends in addition to book fans.
But in the end, I didn't expect that the quality of "A Thousand Knots of Hearts" after it was broadcast was surprisingly high, with constant suspense twists and plot climaxes. The most commendable thing is that He Tianran, a rich second generation, acted as a Director, he has extremely solid basic skills and extremely rich imagination and aesthetics.
Especially aesthetics.
Because "A Thousand Knots of Hearts" itself has a fantasy color, in order to restore the description in the text, the characters, light and shadow, and scenery under his lens all have a hazy dream-like beauty, whether it is the actors' makeup or the actors' makeup. The production, lens scheduling, lighting, art setting, and post-production color grading and special effects all achieve a high degree of visual unity.
If the crew just has money but no ideas, then there is no way to achieve this level.
"A Thousand Knots of Hearts" is a good drama that both book fans and passers-by will be satisfied with after watching it. If I really want to say something bad, it might be that the plot in the later stages is a little thin, but that's not the case. The method is that the original work itself is a relatively early work by the author, and it is lacking in all aspects. It is very difficult to adapt it into a script. If it can be filmed like this, it is already a 100% success.
"A Thousand Knots of Hearts", which was labeled as a minor drama, received increasing reviews after it was aired and became a huge hit. It even triggered a craze last summer, and the starring Bai Lingye rose to a higher level through this drama. She has become a popular little actress right now.
As for He Tianran, he has also gotten rid of the initial impression of the "second generation rich man who played for money" and has become a talented, handsome and wealthy new director. As a top second-generation rich man, he really brought a lot of exposure and topicality to the show from the beginning.
Therefore, the spotlight in the entertainment industry, whether in front of the stage or behind the scenes, is always on the person who represents capital.
"It's just what we need. Your dream will definitely be shattered during this period of CP. I have rarely contacted Bai Lingye after we finished filming."
He Tianran gathered the scattered tobacco on the table in the palm of his hand and threw it into the trash can.
Speaking of which, this scandal is not groundless. In a previous interview with Bai Lingye, the reporter asked He Tianran if there was anything interesting happening with the actors when he was directing on the set. This beauty from the Western Regions not only praised her professionalism, but also He said something that makes people think a lot——
"He treats the actors under his lens as seriously as he treats his lover and brother."
This is the full text of this sentence. It was originally meant to praise He Tianran for his seriousness and dedication to his work, but then he didn’t know how to spread it, and it became——
"He treats the actresses under his lens like his lovers."
…
The drama of talented men and beautiful ladies has been around for a long time. There is a huge wave of opinions on the Internet, and people only believe what they like to hear. It must be said that He Tianran is usually low-key enough. Although this matter became a hot topic, but with the end of the series, The heat quickly faded.
"BE aesthetics will always be a scar in the hearts of us 'knock' experts~"
Yao Qingtao finished speaking jokingly, his eyes narrowed, and he suddenly looked at He Tianran for a few seconds.
"What's wrong?"
The man asked doubtfully.
Yao Qingtao sighed: "Oh, Master He, every time I see you, I always want to pull out all the white hair on your head. I am only one year older than you, and I stand with your image. It makes me a lot older."
"Are you sure it's 'pulling' and not 'plucking'? If you want to pluck out all my white hair, then I'll just go bald."
He Tianran reacted and smiled.
"Why don't you dye it? What a handsome young man. His hair has turned white at a young age."
He Tianran was not ashamed, but proud, "You don't understand, this is a sign, okay!"
He Tianran has been growing gray hair since he was in college, and now 40% of his hair is white. After going to the hospital for a checkup, there were no physical problems. In the end, it can only be attributed to the differences between adults.
However, maturity also has its benefits. Contrary to the fact that most celebrities and idols eat their youth, the profession of director becomes more and more popular as you get older. If you are too young, you cannot control the old guys on the set, and most importantly, the investors also You won't bet a large amount of money on a young boy who has just entered society, and let a young man take his belongings to lead the army in a war. What's the difference between this and wasting money?
Therefore, in terms of image, this white hair is a disguise that He Tianran can use to convince the public as a director.
Being able to produce a hit TV series at the age of 25 is already a great proof of one's own strength, even though others have gone through great hardships and fought hundreds of tricks in the lake to get there. shore, but he was ferried over by his father in a boat.
But if the result is good, then everything is good.
Yao Qingtao whitened at him, "Yes, yes, the bald eagle in Pearl Lane, tsk~ weird look."
He Tianran's expression froze slightly when he heard this. He who was very active just now just smiled and said no more.
The Zhuguang Alley mentioned by Yao Qingtao is actually similar to Gaobeidian in Beijing and Chungmu Road in South Korea. In short, it is a place where some film and television companies gather.
In the past twenty years, the Hong Kong city's economy has developed rapidly, and the film and television industry has also developed vigorously. If the entertainment industry is now divided by region, in addition to the traditional Beijing circle and Shanghai circle, there is now a new wave of film industry forces. , called - Hong Kong Circle.
The term "Hong Kong Circle" actually has a long history. It used to not refer to the Hong Kong city, but to the glorious and prosperous Hong Kong next door. However, with the gradual decline of Hong Kong movies, many filmmakers chose to go north to the mainland to try their luck. Water, but their first choice at that time was not the port city, because the port city at that time could not provide much survival soil for this industry, and most of the high-quality resources were concentrated in the capital and Shanghai. At that time, there was no third choice. Three choices.
It’s just different now. As a large number of Hong Kong filmmakers have returned home after failing to adapt to the inland, this Hong Kong city, which is not far from Hong Kong, is rising rapidly, and has the same environment but only one word difference, has become this group of people. A frustrated filmmaker's utopia.
Of course, it has been a long time since Hong Kong filmmakers went north, and their return is only a seed planted for the rapid development of Hong Kong's film and television industry in the future.
Now the time has finally come for this seed to blossom and bear fruit.
The older generation of filmmakers choose to settle in Hong Kong City, and the new generation of young people have also chosen to develop in this city at their doorstep. In the Zhuguang Lane area of Jiangnan District, due to the expansion of the old district, many houses have been demolished and built, and the rents are not high. It is high, the transportation is very convenient, and with the support of policies and regional planning, it has attracted many film and television production companies and studios to settle down.
Although this Hong Kong circle is no longer the other Hong Kong circle, the inherited style has been poured into this generation of local filmmakers, and in recent years, they have finally established a portal of their own outside of Beijing and Shanghai.
He Tianran's "Future Production" film and television studio is located in Pearl Lane. The title "Pearl Lane Bald Eagle" was given to him by his colleagues after filming "A Thousand Knots of Hearts". In fact, he has many more such nicknames. , but this one is called the most.
As for why it is called the Bald Eagle, besides his white hair, there is another thing...
"Director Yu, how many photos will be taken today? What will be done later?!"
At this moment, an angry question suddenly came from the studio. The sound was so loud that it could be heard clearly in the coffee shop.
Yao Qingtao was about to stand up to check the situation, but He Tianran immediately lowered his palms, signaling her not to move.
"You sit here and wait for the client and the artist team to come over to meet you. I will handle the outside matters."
He Tianran left a message and walked out of the coffee shop.
The sun was shining brightly outside. He squinted and looked up at the dazzling spots scattered among the leaves, then lowered his head and glanced at the watch on his wrist.
The time now is nine-twenty, which is still forty minutes away from the originally scheduled shooting time.
Listening to the argument gradually breaking out not far away, he muttered:
"Oh, another day of world peace."
Then, he slowly walked towards the center of the conflict.
(End of chapter)
