This time, Qijiang Video Network did a good job of promoting the competition, so there were a lot of submissions. Data released by the website showed that during the registration period, the website received a total of 251,482 submissions.
It is naturally impossible to rely on the website staff to manually review such a huge workload, so this time Qijiang Video Network implemented a bold new method - public review.
Netizens who are willing to participate in the judging can register on Qijiang Video Network. The website will then randomly push videos to them, and they will decide whether the video can advance.
As long as a work receives more than 1/2 of the number of reviewers’ approval, it will pass the audition and enter the next round of competition.
As long as the netizens participate in the review, they can obtain different amounts of Qijiang coins according to the number of videos reviewed. Qijiang coins can be used to purchase all products under Qijiang Video Network.
Le Jing is confident that his work can pass the auditions.
So now all his attention is focused on the crew of "Republic of China".
During these days, he had been asking Zhou Jinsen about the movements of the crew of "Republic of China", and the situation had been not optimistic.
Director Li Jianye was not a big-name director, and the script was of the unpopular detective suspense drama style, so it was naturally not favored by investors.
So after the investors withdrew their capital, Li Jianye almost ran himself ragged, but he still didn't get much investment. The scenes, props and actors were all hired, and if he stopped filming, he would be wasting money every day. In the end, Li Jianye had no choice but to grit his teeth and decide to pay for the filming himself.
Although Li Jianye is a director, he only made art films before and could not make much money. This was his first attempt to turn to the field of commercial films, but he did not expect that he would part ways with the investors on bad terms the first time. Not only did he not make any money, but he also had to put in his own money, which made his already poor life even more stretched.
So when Le Jing called Li Jianye and said he wanted to invest, Li Jianye was very surprised, "Are you really going to invest in me? Where will you get the money?"
He remembered Zhou Jinsen mentioned that his old classmate was an orphan and owed a large amount of student loans. After graduation, due to his stubborn personality and lack of connections, he was unemployed at home most of the time and had no source of income.
Li Jianye was deeply moved when he heard this. This reminded him of when he was young. He was very similar to Shi Jing. He also had no family background and was stubborn and aloof, so he had never been successful. Now he was middle-aged and was only a small director in a small entertainment company, and he couldn't even get sponsorship.
So when Shi Jing came to help the crew, he always took good care of him. Later, when Shi Jing resigned, Li Jianye generously gave him 10,000 star coins as hard work fee.
Now, this poor boy suddenly said that he wanted to invest in his TV series. Li Jianye even wondered if Shi Jing was suffering from hysteria.
Le Jing said vaguely: "One of my scripts was picked up by another director, and he gave me some money for the adaptation. Now I have about one million left, and I don't have any more."
Li Jianye sighed with a wry smile, thanked Shi Jing for his kindness, and then said bluntly: "I'm not afraid to tell you the truth. You'll spend one million and not even get a bang. If you want to make this drama, eight or nine million will only make a mediocre profit, and you may not be able to recoup your investment after it is released. You should keep the one million or so for yourself."
Le Jing calmly replied, "You can probably get one or two million, which adds up to more than three million. We can make it into a web series, broadcast it while filming, and collect money early to raise funds for the next filming."
Li Jianye frowned. He was born in the art film industry and always subconsciously looked down on online dramas. But he also knew that online dramas were popular now and had a large amount of traffic. Moreover, doing so could effectively collect funds, which was a good way.
only……
"But is this okay? You know, this is an era of entertainment to death. What I'm shooting is a serious drama, there are no exciting or explosive parts, and no love story. Will the audience like it if I put it online?"
So Li Jianye’s previous idea was to sell the film to several TV stations that focus on serious dramas and broadcast it on TV.
“So the script needs to be changed.”
"Change the script?" This sentence touched Li Jianye's sensitive spot. He immediately got angry and said angrily: "This is my script, I won't change it! If I wanted to change it, I would have changed it a long time ago. Why wait until now! If you also want me to change the script, then don't invest."
Le Jing patiently explained: "Like you, I also want to make the TV series better, so I have some immature opinions about the script. Don't worry, it will definitely not affect the overall framework of the script and the direction of the story. If you think my opinion is unreasonable, then I respect your opinion."
"So what do you want to change?"
"It's not convenient to talk on the phone. When are you free, let's meet and have a good chat."
"Tomorrow, come to the crew at noon tomorrow and we'll have dinner together."
"good."
…
The next day, Le Jing met Li Jianye as promised.
Director Li doesn't seem to be having a good time these days. He has an unshaven beard, bloodshot eyes, and heavy dark circles. He seems to be very busy with investment matters.
When Le Jing arrived, he found that the set was deserted with only a few people, which was in stark contrast to the bustling scene before.
“Is this a work stoppage?”
Li Jianye rubbed his face, looking depressed: "After Bai Lang left, the crew couldn't find a suitable lead actor for a while, so they temporarily stopped working. The actors couldn't afford to waste time, so several of them terminated their contracts with the crew."
He shook his head with a wry smile, and pulled himself together, saying to Le Jing, "Let's go. There's a Chinese restaurant nearby that specializes in Cantonese cuisine. It tastes pretty good. Let's eat and talk."
Li Jianye was probably a regular customer of this restaurant. As soon as he entered the door, the owner came out to greet him warmly, "Mr. Li, you came at a good time. I have freshly made Buddha Jumps Over the Wall!"
Li Jianye said happily: "Then I am really blessed."
"My friend and I are here to chat about something. Are there any seats available in the private room on the second floor?"
The boss said enthusiastically: "Yes, yes, please go upstairs."
While waiting for the food to be served, Le Jing carefully told Li Jianye his thoughts.
At first, Li Jianye didn't take it seriously, and even felt a little annoyed. He attached great importance to the integrity of his script. In his opinion, it would be better not to shoot the film in the first place, rather than to compromise with the market and change the script beyond recognition, which would eventually become a bad film.
The reason why he was willing to listen to Le Jing's "shameless words" here was purely because he was grateful for his willingness to lend a hand when he was down and out. Since ancient times, it is easier to add icing on the cake than to help someone in need. No matter what Shi Jing's purpose was, it was true that he was willing to lend a hand to him at this time. Just based on this, Li Jianye appreciated his kindness.
So he made up his mind to try to tactfully reject Shi Jing's idea.
But as he listened, he gradually forgot his dissatisfaction and slowly felt that Shi Jing's idea was quite interesting.
Just as Shi Jing said before, if the film is shot according to his ideas, the main framework of the script and the direction of the plot will remain unchanged, but the theme will undoubtedly be more profound and can better expose social reality and reflect the current life situation in the Republic of China.
Although Li Jianye is rather stubborn, he is not self-willed and unreasonable. At this time, he clearly realized that Shi Jing's idea was a sublimation of the central idea of the script, making this criminal investigation suspense drama more contemporary, the plot more novel, and the characters more full and specific.
The script he originally conceived was just a criminal investigation suspense drama. Although it also exposed and portrayed the dark side of society, solving the case was the most important thing.
However, with the change of time and scene, the protagonist Zhou Dezhang uses solving cases as an introduction to deeply understand and witness the bitterness and hardship of the lower-class people in the Republic of China, including prostitutes who were buried alive, children whose corpses were sold to human meat shops by their parents, heavy smokers who starved to death, and street children who were bitten to death by vicious dogs...
While the Shanghai Bund was bustling with joy and happiness, the disaster-stricken areas were full of starving people who were eating their own children.
But behind the profound disaster are fiery hopes and dreams born from blood and suffering.
The country under the watchful eye of the red ghost will one day undergo a radical transformation.
Zhou Dezhang and his young friends had ardent dreams and noble beliefs. They did not believe in ghosts or gods, but only in Marx.
They believe that as long as the proletariat of the world unites, the International can be realized.
This is the best of times, this is the worst of times.
This is heaven, this is hell.
This is the Republic of China, an era that breeds hope from suffering and calls for light from darkness.
Although there are dark clouds and heavy rain, there will be light.
Even Li Jianye, who has always been arrogant, had to admit that the new script with the changed time and scene had more depth and the characters' emotions could resonate better with the audience.
In the end, what really moved Li Jianye was Shi Jing's words:
“Art is not something that is highbrow and only accessible to the masses; it can also be appreciated by everyone.
It is true that most audiences are limited by their knowledge, experience and aesthetic literacy and cannot fully understand overly elegant art. What directors need to do is to express their thoughts and emotions in the most simple and popular way, and to convey their ideas in a way that most people can understand, so that more people can understand and accept their ideas. Only art that is spread is true art, and art that disappears is worthless. "
Li Jianye took a deep breath, and a layer of bitterness spread around his mouth.
He really wanted to refute the young man's words.
But he had to admit that the young man's words made sense. He didn't understand this problem when he was young, but now that he was in his forties, he could understand it.
He has a lot of talent, but if no one appreciates it, if his works are never seen by many people, then what is the use of his talent? What value can his talent create?
He couldn't hide his complicated feelings as he looked at the young man opposite him who was talking eloquently and with a firm look in his eyes. He was already this age, but he still couldn't see things as clearly as the young man. He really felt guilty. He had thought that Shi Jing was very similar to him when he was young. He was much better and more sober than him.
When Le Jing met Director Li's sparkling eyes, he understood what he was thinking, but he still asked knowingly, "What do you think of my idea, Director Li?"
Li Jianye slammed the table vigorously and cheered loudly: "Good, very good!" He looked at Le Jing sincerely: "I think you understand the era of the Republic of China more thoroughly than I do. Your idea of adaptation is very good, really very good."
"Just shoot it like this, I believe it will be a good work."
He said excitedly: "Put your ideas into a script and give it to me as soon as possible, and we will start shooting as soon as possible."
Le Jing smiled and nodded, "I'll write it when I get home."
Director Li nodded slightly, thought for a moment, and asked frankly, "Are you interested in co-directing this TV series with me?"
As if afraid that Le Jing would refuse, he explained earnestly: "From your ideas for adapting the script, I can tell that you have a deeper understanding of this script. I believe that if you help me, our TV series will be even more exciting."
Le Jing had no intention of refusing. Rather, this was his plan from the beginning. Now that Li Jianye had taken the initiative to propose it, he just went with the flow and agreed.
Director Li excitedly picked up the tea and drank it all, then licked his lips. While he was thinking about how to push the first scene in his mind, he suddenly remembered the biggest problem at the moment - the actors.
Now that most of the actors in the crew have left, he has to recast. The crew is short of money now, so they will definitely try their best to squeeze out the pay, so it is best to hire newcomers from the film academy, so that the pay is low.
But the newcomer's acting skills...
Just as Director Li was worried, Le Jing said calmly, "I already have an idea about who should play the leading role Zhou Dezhang - what do you think of Chang Zehai?"
Director Li thought for a long time before he remembered who Chang Zehai was. Then he asked in surprise, "He's not dead yet? No, this was all news many years ago. I remember he died in a car accident!"
Le Jing shook his head. Thinking about what he had heard from Sister Zhang about Chang Zehai's past, he had to say that it was bad luck.
Chang Zehai is an actor of the same generation as Sister Zhang. Their relationship was just average at first, but after Chang Zehai retired due to a car accident, their relationship improved.
When Le Jing first set up his studio, Sister Zhang mentioned Chang Zehai to him, saying that if there was an opportunity in the future, the two of them could work together. Isn't there an opportunity now?
"Although he was in a car accident at the time, he did not die. Unfortunately, there was also a person named Chang Zehai who died of illness in the same hospital as him. The media misunderstood and directly reported that actor Chang Zehai had died in a car accident. Although it was clarified later, the audience thought he was dead due to rumors. In addition, Chang Zehai was disfigured in the car accident and retired from the entertainment industry for several years for plastic surgery and recuperation. When he returned to the entertainment industry, he was completely out of fashion. Not to mention the audience, many of his friends thought he was dead."
Li Jianye also sighed after hearing this.
When he was young, Chang Zehai was an absolutely powerful actor with excellent acting skills and a low profile. The films he made are still considered classics. I didn't expect such a good actor to be buried until now. It's really a joke.
"Do you have his contact information? I'll contact him and ask about his intentions."
Chang Zehai readily agreed to Director Li's audition invitation, and the two of them agreed to come for the audition tomorrow.
In line with the principle of keeping things within the family, Le Jing recommended Zhang Jie and Zhang Ting to Li Jianye.
After seeing Sister Zhang's photo, Li Jianye was stunned for a while, with deep sadness and nostalgia in his eyes, and his voice trembled: "It's her..."
"You know her?"
Li Jianye shook his head, his eyes long, and fell into memories of the past, "How could I not know her..." He laughed and dropped a thunderbolt: "Back then, she was the goddess of my dreams,"
Le Jing was surprised: "Are you lovers?"
"No, no, no, how could she fall for a young director like me? It's just my unrequited love. It's just a little fantasy of my youth. I'm sorry to make fun of you."
"So many years have passed, I didn't expect to see her again, and her son is so grown up now. Sigh, time really is unforgiving." Li Jianye lowered his head and sighed for a while, suddenly as if he thought of something, he raised his head and looked at Le Jing with a sharp gaze.
"…Why are you looking at me like that?"
"I have a feeling that this TV series will be a big hit!" Li Jianye's brows relaxed and he laughed heartily: "We also have the best script and the best actors, plus we have two stubborn directors. It would be really unfair if this drama didn't become a hit!"
Le Jing raised his eyes and chuckled, his voice gentle but indescribably domineering: "What a coincidence, I think so too."
The conversation that day was a great pleasure for both the host and the guests. Le Jing and Li Jianye chatted excitedly for a long time, and golden inspirations kept emerging from their communication. Finally, the two left reluctantly until the restaurant closed.
At that time, they didn't know how great a legend the TV series they were about to create would be.
…
Three days later, all kinds of old guys rushed to S Province from all over the world and joined the crew of "Chronicles of Literary Masters of the Republic of China" one after another.
It was also the first time that Le Jing intuitively realized the power of Sister Zhang.
Although this woman has retired from the entertainment industry and has been in poverty for decades, she knows a group of old guys who are just as down and out as she is.
Some of them are addicted gamblers, some have lost their wives and children, some are infamous, some have been banned from the screen for more than ten years, and some have long been dead in the eyes of the audience.
They have no commercial appeal.
There is no mention of good looks in them.
Some of them have so much dirt on them that it’s hard to tell.
But they have acting skills that have been honed by the years. They live and die for the drama, and they are all absolute drama maniacs.
All they lack is an opportunity.
Now that the opportunity has come, the old guys immediately flocked to it.
They don't ask for pay, they just want to stand in front of the camera again and burn themselves out for the performance again.
Such old guys gathered together and collided with each other, quietly and anonymously at first.
But legends are born in ordinary days.
It will take a very long time before people in later generations will understand what is happening now.
Le Jing couldn't help but sigh and laugh. After the Sunset Red Studio was established, the Sunset Red Crew also started business.
A carnival belonging to the old guys of the last era is about to begin.
Le Jing was so excited to be the host and conductor of this carnival party.
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