"Please sit down, everyone."
Ren Changwen came alone, and his attitude was very humble. He didn't have the domineering feeling of a big director, and he spoke very calmly.
Filled with surprise and doubt, Xiao He sat down with everyone else.
“This script was written by my old friend Shen Zhongcheng, but he hasn’t been feeling well lately, so I can discuss the script-related issues with you.”
Ren Changwen said.
"No wonder I said the script's imagination and concept were amazing; it turns out it was written by Teacher Shen."
Liu Zehang looked like he suddenly understood.
Xiao He recalled in his mind that this Teacher Shen was the screenwriter of Ren Changwen's previous masterpiece, "The Labyrinth of Shadows".
Shen Zhongcheng is a very legendary figure. He originally wrote science fiction novels in his early years, but unfortunately, his works were never popular with the market, and he couldn't make a living. So he switched from science fiction to suspense and detective novels, but he didn't expect that things would be even worse. He couldn't even afford to eat!
Later, Shen Zhongcheng's editor couldn't stand it anymore and recommended him to become a screenwriter. Of course, not the kind of screenwriter who creates original scripts, but rather a screenwriter who helps adapt a novel's IP into a script.
At that time, adapting popular novels into TV shows and movies had become a market trend, but there were very few successful works. The others either had drastically altered plots or failed to adapt to local conditions, resulting in a considerable number of screenwriters being criticized.
Shen Zhongcheng was primarily responsible for adapting science fiction and suspense novels into IPs. Surprisingly, his adapted scripts were exceptionally well-received by the market. He was able to fix all the minor plot holes and flaws in the original novels, and improve the world-building, taking the already good plots to the next level. Even though many of the film and television works he worked on didn't become huge hits due to various issues, the plot was generally the only aspect praised by audiences.
There was even a previous work where the actor playing the male lead was so ugly that it deterred countless viewers. However, many people still held their noses and got hooked because of the hardcore and exciting plot, and eventually came to like the male lead.
This is truly a laughing stock in the industry.
Later, Shen Zhongcheng finally found his niche. His first original screenplay, "Maze Shadows," was directed by Ren Changwen, who was then a rising director. It became the first battle royale film in China to achieve both box office and critical success. Shen Zhongcheng continued to collaborate with Ren Changwen and created several more works, all of which achieved good results.
The only regrettable thing is that both Shen Zhongcheng and Ren Changwen are late bloomers. Ren Changwen is still in good spirits, but Shen Zhongcheng's health deteriorated in his early years and he became frail and sickly in middle age. His creative speed has also slowed down in recent years, and it seems that he has not had any new works for four or five years.
"How is Teacher Shen's health lately? Is she doing well?" Liu Rulan asked with concern, then said with some emotion, "It seems like it was more than ten years ago when I last saw the two teachers. Back then, I was teaching Shu Han. It's been so long in the blink of an eye."
Shu Han was also an artist that Liu Rulan used to manage. Now he has gone to Hollywood and is no longer active in the domestic entertainment industry.
However, Ren Changwen clearly still remembered it: "Ah, right, I remember now, it's you! Indeed, so much time has passed, you've changed quite a bit, I almost didn't recognize you."
Liu Rulan chuckled: "Director Ren, you haven't changed at all."
"Sigh, I haven't changed much, it's just that old man Chen Zhongcheng has a bad heart and hasn't been going out much these past few years."
Just then, the waiter placed the dishes on the table, and Ren Changwen waved his hand, telling everyone to eat and chat at the same time.
"Actually, I was a little hesitant about this script at first."
Ren Changwen frankly stated.
"Both Lin Yu'an and Xu Ning are very important characters, and their focuses are quite different. It is very difficult to find two very suitable actors at the same time, especially for the role of Xu Ning."
Another highlight of the film is the trust between the two main characters.
On this isolated island where everyone betrays you, can these two truly trust each other forever?
The character Xu Ning, in particular, is shrouded in mystery. On the isolated island, he is Lin Yu'an's protector, shielding her from betrayal even when they are working with other players. However, Xu Ning also coldly observes Lin Yu'an's perilous situations multiple times, only offering help at the last moment. This makes their "alliance" extremely delicate. If even he betrays Lin Yu'an, how can she protect herself?
In Director Ren's mind, the best kind of character is one who looks like a villain who might betray you at any moment, so that the audience will always be on the edge of their seats and can't help but watch with curiosity.
Simply put, the role of Xu Ning needs to be played by someone who doesn't look like a good person.
Xiao He: ?
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