Chapter 33: Design Revealed
The electronic sliding door slowly opened before everyone's eyes, and the anchors couldn't help but exclaim in unison with different tones.
The entire photography studio covers an area of over 20,000 square meters and has a height of over ten meters. It is divided into more than twenty different work areas, with two huge hoisting machines installed on the ceiling of each area. The attached workshop is fully equipped with cutting machines, 3D printers, and various large-scale equipment.
The shed is spacious and bright, with a high-intensity fresh air circulation system running 24 hours a day, and the air is so clean that there is not a trace of dust.
From a distance, this place doesn't look like a film studio at all; it looks more like a high-tech spaceship terminal.
Tao Mi gasped slightly.
The venue for the competition was already extravagant; she couldn't imagine how much it would cost to rent such a state-of-the-art studio.
Before coming to Juyu to apply for a live streamer position, she was just an ordinary insurance salesperson. Being pushed onto the stage of a highly anticipated competition was already a huge surprise.
Even if Giant Entertainment just threw over some terrible script, she would still feel like she'd made a profit. She never expected the company to invest more in short dramas than in group broadcasts.
Tao Mi's gaze fell on the various huge machines in the workshop, and she patted her chest in awe.
She couldn't help but feel that taking a day off to apply for a job at Juyu Entertainment was the best decision she had ever made in her life.
As soon as the gate was opened, a ten-seater convertible sightseeing car drove up from not far away.
Jiang Yu jumped out of the car and ripped off his dust mask:
"Mr. Fang, the costumes and props specified for the photoshoot have all been filed in work area number three. Please follow me."
Apart from Fang Zhuo, the other anchors' movements were slightly stiff and awkward. Tao Mi and Mo Mo held hands, their palms sweating slightly from nervousness.
When they arrived at work area number three, their eyes were practically dazzled by the sights.
This area is at least 400 square meters, and eight shimmering, reflective theatrical costumes are neatly hung on one wall. As the angle changes, the jewels adorning the costumes refract different colors of light.
Meanwhile, in the work area, a young man was excitedly introducing the chair props used for taking the makeup photos to General Manager Fang.
According to the script, this chair should be used by the main characters during their card arena battles. The two chair props, one black and one white, are almost a one-to-one replica of the description in the script, as if they were just stolen from the world of cards.
Peach couldn't resist moving closer and asking, "Can I touch it?"
Cao Mao spun it around: "Of course you can, you'll be sitting on it to take pictures later."
It's more like a giant throne than a chair, with a backrest that's over two meters high. The surface is covered with large patches of fur, and the plush fabric trails from the seat cushion all the way to the ground.
Behind the throne are five staggered, one-meter-long feathers, behind which are sculptures of arena angels in a prayer position.
As the boy pressed the start button, the feather and the angel sculpture behind it moved, changing from a closed-eye prayer posture to an outstretched hand towards the throne below, as if silently paying homage to the competitors.
Tao Mi was taken aback by the exquisite detail of the prop, and couldn't help but let out a soft "Ah!" when the angel sculpture came to life.
She asked curiously, "How much does it cost to make one of these props? One like this must cost at least ten or twenty thousand..."
Cao Mao didn't say it directly: "The actual price is a little more expensive than you think, but Mr. Fang should think it's quite cheap."
Tao Mi smiled and said, "That's true."
The two hadn't been chatting for long when she was called away by a group of people to change into her costume. These clothes were visibly expensive, and the staff from the brand wore gloves the whole time they helped her change.
Tao Mi didn't even dare to take a deep breath, afraid that if she gasped too much, she would tear her clothes.
It wasn't until she was fully dressed that she realized the costume was the perfect size.
Unlike the ready-made clothes she wore during the two days of the group broadcast, the costumes tailored by the famous costume designer seemed to grow out of her skin, with every part fitting her figure perfectly.
A huge mirror sat in front of the makeup mirror. Tao Mi adjusted her companion weapon and props, quietly looking at herself in the mirror.
She almost didn't recognize the person in front of her.
This long dress, with its strong regional characteristics, possesses both classical and futuristic beauty.
A thin, transparent silver veil covered her entire body, her upper body was extremely fitted, and some parts were inlaid with silver reflective sequins.
The lower half of the skirt unfolds layer by layer, and the color gradually deepens until the edges of the skirt are dyed dark gray.
Lan Jie's makeup style was even bolder than usual, and the makeup design perfectly matched this highly technological dress.
The color around the eyeliner is rendered very dark, while the eye socket area is extremely light, and a few silver rhinestones are attached to the outer corner of the eye near the temple.
She spread her palms upwards, and a pale white pot lay quietly in her hands, its body even rotating slowly in sync with the swaying of the throne.
Before entering the studio, they discussed whether filming a drama with a card background would be difficult. However, the exquisite costumes, props, and makeup on set completely dispelled any doubts they might have had.
This scale is more than enough to prepare for a movie, let alone a short drama.
The card background is a minor challenge; Tao Mi thinks that even if Mr. Fang were to film Godzilla vs. a beautiful girl, he could recreate it perfectly.
Qin Yi, carrying a camera, gestured to ask her if she was ready.
Those who go far in the world of live streaming may not necessarily have exceptional acting skills, but they certainly possess a strong ability to perceive and empathize.
Tao Mi closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, she was completely immersed in her role.
Facing the camera, she frowned slightly, trying to capture the essence of the period when she was lurking beside the male lead to break the curse.
There was a faint hint of melancholy between her brows, but her eyes did not show despair; instead, they held a kind of resilient acceptance of everything.
Qin Yi gave an OK sign and called to the people behind her, "Next."
Peach breathed a sigh of relief when she got it right on the first try.
However, while things are going so smoothly for her, Xiao Xiao's progress doesn't seem to be going so well.
Qin Yi repeatedly tried to get Xiao Xiao to express some emotion in his eyes, but Xiao Xiao remained stiff as a piece of wood. Normally, she was so eloquent in front of the live broadcast camera, but when she put on the costume, she looked like a cat restrained by a towel.
Qin Yi shrugged helplessly at Fang Zhuo.
Seeing the young male anchor's expression as if he was about to cry, Fang Zhu clapped his hands: "It's lunchtime, everyone take a short break."
He turned and left the work area, sat in the driver's seat of the open-top sightseeing vehicle, and sent a message to Zhang Kaigang on his personal terminal:
[Teacher Zhang, approximately when will you arrive?]
Fang Zhuo contacted Zhang Kaigang yesterday, and he replied that he was available, but the background was not easy to shoot, and he would have to see the shooting location before making a decision.
He understood Zhang Kaigang's hesitation, after all, similar background settings had never appeared in TV series or movies before, and the probability of it backfiring was quite high.
At 1:30 p.m. sharp, Zhang Kaigang arrived at the entrance of the photography studio.
He wasn't doubting Giant Entertainment's financial strength, but he was afraid that President Fang, like other bosses who entered the film and television industry, would rely on the first drama to open up a reputation and market, and then when making the second drama, it would become 90% formulaic plus 10% shoddy work.
Card games are a different genre from period dramas. At least period dramas can follow a template, but with this brand-new background, all the details have to be constructed from scratch.
The details in film and television dramas are all built with money; a slight error in budget can lead to a huge difference.
He was also worried about ruining his reputation in his later years, which is why he suggested coming to the film set first.
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Fang Zhuo did not take Zhang Kaigang to work area number three first, but went directly to work station number one.
This area is even larger than No. 3, with a total area of over 1,000 square meters. Two members of Cao Mao's team are building an arena for card duels here.
The arena has a diameter of over fifty meters and a maximum height of one and a half meters. The main body consists of three tiers of platforms, with steps leading up from all sides.
Unlike other TV drama sets that use pre-production or post-production texturing, the facades of these three-tiered platforms are all 3D patterns, and the content of the patterns is exactly the same as the totems of the four card families in the script.
While other shows might reveal that some large props are made of cardboard or PVC boards, every detail of this arena has the texture of an antique, convincing the audience of its authenticity the moment it's shown.
Zhang Kaigang was stunned.
Compared to this quality, the art team he used to work with was like a primary school student's homework.
"Mr. Fang, I'd like to ask where you found such a professional props team?"
Fang Zhuo had no intention of keeping this from Director Zhang: "They have an account on a long-form video platform called 'Cosmic Props Master'."
Zhang Kaigang touched his nose; he had actually heard of this account before.
Three years ago, he took on a war-themed film project led by a top distribution company in the industry, and their art team suggested outsourcing a few key props to this account.
However, after they submitted their quote, the budget department firmly disagreed, and in the end, the matter was dropped.
...I never expected to see the finished props here.
He finally began to empathize with those netizens on StarNet who were so jealous they were practically drooling.
With a sigh, Zhang Kaigang followed Fang Zhuo to work area number three. As soon as they pushed open the door marked "number three," they were greeted by two rows of actors in costumes.
The handmade costumes of the Great Ancestor's grandmother have far surpassed the level of S-class dramas, and this time the costumes have even exceeded Zhang Kaigang's expectations.
He moved closer to the male actor at the front, at a distance where he could clearly see the hand-embroidered patterns on the fabric of the other actor's clothes.
The overall design style is also quite suitable for the card game setting. Apart from a complete set of custom-made clothes, he couldn't think of anywhere else to purchase such suitable clothes.
Zhang Kaigang immediately turned around. Before he could say anything to Fang Zhuo, he received another filming contract worth 80 million.
He smiled and said, "Mr. Fang really understands me."
After quickly signing the contract and briefly reviewing the promotional photos of the previous few people, Zhang Kaigang singled out Momo's and Xiaoxiao's photos and set them aside:
"If you're going to post this on a public platform, these two won't do, but the others will be fine."
Unlike the case of the Great Ancestor's grandmother, all the important characters in this drama are broadcasters.
There are quite a few internet celebrities who have switched careers to become actors, and some are idols who have also switched. However, Zhang Kaigang usually takes on roles in big movies, and he used to have countless veteran actors applying for roles. It has been a long time since he has worked with a lineup of all newcomers like this.
Zhang Kaigang pondered for a moment: "President Fang, I can recommend an assistant director to you. He has a lot of experience in guiding newcomers in acting."
"However, his schedule is very full. You can try contacting him and say that I recommended him."
Fang Zhuo dialed the number provided by Zhang Kaigang directly.
It took three tries to get someone to answer the phone. The other end was noisy, and it sounded like someone was shouting at me at any moment.
"Hello, this is Jia Weian. What's up?"
Fang Zhuo: "Hello, I was just wondering if you're available. Director Zhang Kaigang gave me your contact information..."
"I'm sorry, I've been really busy lately. I'm on the set of 'Autumn Letter' and I'll be joining the cast of 'Fragrance of the World' next week."
Fang Zhuo still wanted to try: "This is Fang Zhuo, the executive director of Giant Entertainment—"
However, after hearing this self-introduction, the other person's tone completely changed.
Before he could finish speaking, Jia Weian interrupted him happily, saying, "I'm sorry, Mr. Fang, I was abrupt just now. Please wait a moment."
The background noise gradually subsided, and the other person, panting, said:
"What instructions does Mr. Fang have? Is your short drama project about to start? I'm free recently, very free, and I can join the crew today."
"Oh no, not today, anytime is fine."
Zhang Kaigang: "..."
He had already collaborated with Jia Weian three or four times, but he never expected that his name wouldn't be as effective as General Manager Fang's.
It hurts, it feels like something hit my face.
Fang Zhuo's tone remained calm, as if he hadn't heard the cold, harsh rejection just moments before, and he readily agreed:
"That's wonderful. I'd like to ask if you can accept a total package price of four million? If so, I hope you can come to the filming location of Star 399 as soon as possible."
The assistant directors at Star Entertainment are rarely paid according to the number of episodes, just like the main directors. After all, there is only one main director for a series, but there may be more than ten assistant directors for a big production project.
Assistant directors are typically paid between 100,000 and 600,000 yuan per episode, depending on their fame and ability, which translates to a monthly salary of around 20,000 to over 100,000 yuan.
The salary he proposed was equivalent to increasing Jia Weian's hourly wage by more than a hundred times.
A joyful shout erupted from the other end of the phone. Jia Weian excitedly said:
"This good thing has finally come to me, oh no, I mean I finally have the opportunity to serve you."
"Please wait a moment, Mr. Fang, this old servant will be right there."
After hanging up the phone, Zhang Kaigang rubbed his face hard.
How come he remembered that when he worked with Jia Weian before, the other party was clearly a calm and reserved young man?
Jia Weian arrived as quickly as he had promised on the phone, and the entire filming schedule resumed its rapid flow after his arrival.
In just three minutes, he figured out what made Xiao Xiao uncomfortable—
“Teacher Xiao, the character you are playing is indeed a villain, but you can’t portray him with a villain’s mentality. Do you think a bad guy would think he is a bad guy? Of course not.”
"Leave aside the objective framework the script gives you, just act like a slightly proud young man from a card-collecting family..."
When the camera shutter clicked again, Xiao Xiao was noticeably more immersed in the moment than before. After the set of photos was taken, both directors on set gave him a thumbs up.
At 6 PM, Qin Yi finished editing the two sets of photos she had taken that day and sent them to Fang Zhuo's personal computer.
Inside the office, Deng Jiaqiang sat on the sofa eating an ice pop and asked Fang Zhuo:
"While the hype from the group broadcast hasn't died down yet, I suggest we release the official photos today. Should we post these photos directly on our company's official website account? I'll write a copy and send it to the operations team later."
Fang Zhuo leaned back in his office chair, his right index finger, which was resting on the armrest, slightly raised and wiggled:
"No, I had the operations team register a new account for Liu Xiaolan and send it to her."
The two exchanged a glance, and Deng Jiaqiang laughed, "A business genius."
[@Weilan Styling Studio: Just finished the group broadcast and immediately joined the short drama crew. This time I was in charge of makeup and accessory matching. It's an honor to work with my idol~]
I've been working overtime lately, so I'll just post a quick job opening for the studio:
We are hiring three styling assistants, recent graduates are welcome to apply; starting salary of 100,000 RMB per month, with generous bonuses. In addition to five social insurances and one housing fund, employees also receive 25 days of paid annual leave. If you are interested, please send me a private message.
The post included twelve animated GIFs of the latest character stills from the short drama, as well as a simple job posting image.
Before posting the update, her account only had a dozen or so followers from internal staff, but as the post went viral on StarNet, she gained over 100,000 followers in just one night, and the comment section became unprecedentedly lively.
[Wait, did I miss something? What short drama? ? ? ]
[Holy crap, holy crap, holy crap, is this the short drama I was thinking of? A new short drama from Juyu Entertainment?]
[The group broadcast competition was mentioned above. This is the styling studio that Juyu Entertainment uses! It's finally here! Sister, I'm going to kiss you to death! (kissing a flower) (kneeling on one knee) (offering a ring)]
[@DeshenFilmAndEntertainment, @ZhuoYangStudio, can you please give up your funeral-themed looks and those inexplicably obsessed nude makeup? Quickly check out this stylist!]
[Please give this a big shout-out to me! I've already sent private messages to my studio recommending this lady.]
[I have a feeling Sister Lan's makeup brushes are about to start sparking; guess which young actress will snag the first order?]
[This outfit style looks like Miyasu's, hahaha, maybe I'm hallucinating.]
Don't overthink it; I've never seen a film or television production company specifically hire the creative director of a luxury brand for design...
[Has nobody noticed the job posting? Monthly salary of 100,000! ... I'll be seeing those four words all night long, until 2 AM tonight.]
[Waaaaah, Tao Mi's makeup is amazing! My girl is usually the cute, round-faced type, but this look gives her such a goddess-like aura. Can I say that Lan Jie's film and television makeup is even better than her stage and red carpet makeup?]
[Hehehe, judging from this costume and styling, the new drama is probably set in a combat genre. But who made these props? How come the pot in Tao Mi's hand can move? That's amazing!]
[Not only the pot moves, but the angel sculpture behind the chair also moves, and it even coordinates with the lighting and shadows on the figure, making it look like a real object, holy crap!]
Just when I thought Giant Entertainment was already pretty awesome, Brother Fang always manages to come up with something new that will surprise me.
[When Fang Ge opened the list of world heritage sites, he thought he was reading "The Humble Abode Inscription"; when he opened a lighthearted novel, he thought it was a story of suffering. This isn't enjoyable at all.jpg]
The post was only posted one night before three or four related terms trended on social media in the middle of the night. In addition to receiving thousands of resumes, Liu Xiaolan's account also received countless job offers.
She used software to extract all the private messages from job offers and made a table, which she discussed with a few people on set the next day.
Fang Zhuo glanced at the list and pointed to a spot: "Xinghan Media also sent you an invitation?"
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