Chapter 490
When it comes to the influence of official photos, New Town holds a significant stake. For official movie photos, the early announcements and revelations are a major draw for audiences, often putting as much effort into this as into filming a major drama.
This was also what Feng Ruogu had told Chen Shenju and Song Xiao before Ji Shao and his group arrived in Zhejiang Province. Especially now that Ji Shao had entered the film industry, more and more people would be watching him. For the final photos, they naturally wanted to select the best of the best. Since they could achieve perfection from beginning to end, why not do it?
This brought Zhou Xiao, the director of Team B for "Dancing Fish," directly into the studio's sights. Zhou Xiao is not only gifted in photography, but her official photos for "Letters from Time and Space" also demonstrate a thorough understanding of the plot. Those official photos still amaze many people today.
Chen Shenju's question also had a subtle meaning. If the candidate had already been decided and it wasn't Zhou Xiao, they could try to get him before filming. To put it bluntly, Xincheng trusted Zhou Xiao more.
Zhou Xiao paused in thought when she heard Chen Shenju's words. She didn't recall Director Fang mentioning this to anyone. She shook her head and said, "The instructor for the official photos hasn't been decided yet. If you have any good candidates, please recommend them to Director Fang."
But it's actually a bit premature to say. Given Zhou Xiao's familiarity with Director Fang, filming will likely begin at least after the script reading is complete. Once the actors have thoroughly understood the script, empathized with their characters, and established an emotional connection with them, then the optimal time for the official photos will be.
Zhou Xiao's answer was clearly within Chen Shenju's expectations. His grin widened even wider. "Teacher Zhou, are you interested in filming? If we were to recommend someone, you would definitely be our first choice."
In Chen Shenju's opinion, only Zhou Xiao would think Director Fang would choose someone else. If Director Fang didn't truly love and care for her, why would he have chosen Zhou Xiao to collaborate again on "Time and Space Letters" after "Flower Journey"?
Because of Zhou Xiao's casual approach to accepting commissions, many agents within New Town approached Sister Feng to build relationships, hoping to leverage Ji Shao's connections to collaborate with Zhou Xiao. While previously, requests for official stills were more common, after "Flower Walk," requests for stills have become more common.
It was also after the hit of "Flower Walk" that "photographers", who originally had a low presence in small and medium-sized crews and even had no dedicated positions, began to appear in the list of staff at the end of the film, receiving more attention and importance from the crew.
This may have been an unexpected success for Zhou Xiao, but now many photographers on the crew are grateful to her. Confirming a position not only allows her name to appear in the credits, but also provides a legitimate income. Otherwise, camera crew members would usually take on part-time photography and receive only a minimal thank-you fee.
"No problem!" Zhou Xiao agreed very generously. Although she was the director of Group B of "Dancing Fish" this time, she would be happy to take the official photos if Director Fang needed her to do it herself.
Especially during these recent plot discussions with Sister Mao, Zhou Xiao is both looking forward to the birth of her character and feeling a sense of unease about witnessing the character's birth. If she were to film, she would definitely portray each character as she understands them! If possible!
…
As the saying goes, there is more joy when the crew gathers together to discuss the plot. As the main creators discussed the plot happily and rigorously every day, Zhou Xiao also welcomed the photographer from his group.
"Xiao Zhou Xiao Zhou~" The brisk footsteps represented Director Fang's happy mood. Although there was a glass between them, the staff who were reading inside could feel the director's happiness at the moment when they looked over.
This was a separate reading room prepared for the staff. Yes, when the actors were already in place and began to read the "final version of the script", Sister Mao changed the script again. But everyone accepted it very well, after all, this had become a daily routine in the past period.
Zhou Xiao raised his head and was about to respond when his eyes fell on the person following behind Director Fang. Suddenly, he felt that the person looked very familiar. It felt like he had seen him somewhere before.
Meanwhile, Li Ling, following behind Director Fang, was also incredibly nervous. Her steps were uneven due to the tension. This was caused by the heavy load she carried during filming, causing her body to tilt sideways for a long time, and it was quite damaging to her feet.
But now it has almost recovered, and it will basically be unnoticeable in a while. However, Li Ling is very clear that after joining this crew, her old problem will be damaged again, but she is willing to accept this result.
Seeing Zhou Xiao in the room, the usually resilient and carefree woman suddenly felt a pang of pain in her throat. Being a Steadicam shooter was a considerable pressure, both mentally and physically. But the person before her, whom she called a "little girl," solidified her resolve to pursue this path.
Li Ling didn't know she'd be filming with Zhou Xiao until Director Fang sent her a message right in front of her. That familiar profile picture was revealed. The fireworks blooming in the night sky were a special memory of Zhou Xiao.
It was then that Li Ling connected the two Zhou Xiaos. It turned out the incredibly popular photographer was the Zhou Xiao she had met that night and who had taken her photo. Curiously, even though she thought the shared name was a coincidence, she never imagined they were the same person. After all, fame was still too far away for her.
Seeing Zhou Xiao emerge from the reading room, Fang Xi was about to introduce the two to each other. After all, they would be partners and comrades from now on! However, her keen sense as a director came into play, and she noticed that the two people's states were a little different from what she had expected.
Like we knew each other beforehand?!
So, Fang Xi put aside her original intention of introducing the two people and stood aside to watch them with satisfaction. Zhou Xiao needed no further explanation; Xiao Li was also a good person. The latter had also submitted a collection of her past films to Fang Xi, and Fang Xi seemed to think it was quite good, so she contacted her in advance.
"Hello, Teacher Li, I'm Zhou Xiao." Zhou Xiao, who had already recalled it from his long memory, stretched out his hand first. When he felt the warmth contained in the thick calluses on the other's palm, he couldn't help but smile knowingly.
It's wonderful that even though they haven't met, she hasn't given up, and I've also been challenging myself in new areas. It's wonderful to be able to work with someone who appreciates my work. Even though Zhou Xiao hasn't worked with Li Ling before, she has complete faith in Director Fang's vision! Just getting past Director Fang's standards means she's already far superior to other artists on the market.
"By the way, is your eczema okay?"
Although they had been friends for a long time, apart from the occasional greetings on holidays*, they mostly just checked each other's Moments occasionally, leaving a little impression or liking a post.
Li Ling has another persistent problem: eczema. Whenever she picks up a camera to film, it recurs. It's not that she hasn't considered seeking treatment; after all, she's the one suffering, but it's incurable.
I didn't expect Zhou Xiao to remember this. This must have been something I posted on WeChat Moments a few months ago, Li Ling thought. She rarely posts on WeChat Moments, and because of this, her family and colleagues often tell her that she doesn't look like a photographer and has such a low desire to share.
"Much better!" There was a mixture of gratitude and emotion. Such a simple sentence, yet it comforted people from the bottom of their hearts. Li Ling savored this gentle kindness, and her original tension began to relax a lot.
"Okay, Xiao Zhou, I'll leave Li Ling to you then," Fang Xi said, hands on his hips. After giving the instructions, he said, "I won't interfere with your team, but I have high standards, and I also need you to try to align yourself with my style. Can you do that?"
The director's primary responsibility as a Group B director has always been to assist the chief director. Naturally, a consistent style must be maintained within a production. Zhou Xiao understood his role very well and nodded without hesitation, saying, "I can do it!"
Director Fang had already stated this requirement when they signed the contract. In addition, she did not say that this period was a waste of time. From Fang Xi's first film in her life to the previous "Future Time and Space", she carefully observed the shooting and techniques of each film repeatedly in the system space.
"Okay, I'm relieved to leave it to you." Fang Xi reached out and patted Zhou Xiao's shoulder. When she felt the sturdy arms, she was also very satisfied. At first, she was really worried that Xiao Zhou would neglect exercise while she was here. The body is the capital of revolution. This is a good seedling and a good foundation for shooting night scenes!
"Li Ling, you should learn from Xiao Zhou during this period," Fang Xi said, smiling and pointing at Zhou. "Learning this girl's photography skills will be your greatest gain from joining my team."
Li Ling's mouth dropped open in surprise. She hadn't expected Director Fang to think Zhou Xiao was so skilled and value her so highly. It seemed the online rumors weren't entirely exaggerated. If she could learn anything from her, it would truly be a win.
In their circle of photographers, when she was too busy joining the crew to pay attention to the appearance of this hot shot, almost everyone, including her master, senior students, and other colleagues, spoke of Zhou Xiao with envy and jealousy.
Not to mention that he had previously established his own studio, a fact that many photographers considering leaving their jobs to strike out on their own were practically envious. Of course, after seeing his finished photos and videos, no one could say Zhou Xiao was lucky. To reach this level of skill, one must truly possess immense talent and dedication.
"Guaranteed to complete the mission!"
Standing at the door, Li Ling didn't care that her loud voice had attracted everyone's attention. When she turned back to look at Zhou Xiao, her eyes were filled with anticipation and eagerness. She really wanted to start the camera soon so she could carry it again. And who knows, maybe she could even learn a little bit about Zhou Xiao's understanding of photography!
After seeing off Director Fang, who was rushing off to the film studio, Zhou Xiao gestured for Li Ling to follow her inside. Unconcerned with the other glaring eyes in the room, Zhou Xiao had long since become immune to them. She turned directly to this seemingly unrelated friend and asked, "Did Director Fang give you the script in advance?"
"Yes," Li Ling replied immediately, "but that was at the beginning of the month."
Mao Ning likes to change the script, which is well known in the industry. In addition, when Director Fang met her, the first thing he said was "The script has been changed again, please take a look later", she knew that he wanted her to read the script again.
"Send me your previously written reflections," Zhou Xiao said, pointing to a barely-read copy of the latest version of the script on his desk. "Hmm... Director Fang asked you to write one, right?"
Li Ling's face suddenly froze. She had written an essay, but it was rejected. After sending the second version, Director Fang, perhaps too busy, didn't make any further revisions. Thinking of her school days from years ago returning to her again, she not only accepted her fate but also felt even more passionate.
"Teacher Zhou, I'm really sorry to trouble you!"
"It's just a small matter~ Send me your thoughts, and you can take a look at the new script first!"
“…”
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