Chapter 71 World 2 [41]
The filming location of the tribute film is not in the film and television city, but mainly a real-life shooting in a well-preserved old alley.
So after finishing the final fight scene, Shao Qing took Jing Ke and the assistant on a plane, flew directly to Beijing, and arrived at the filming location.
After seeing Shao Qing coming, Director Hu, who originally had a gloomy look on his face, quickly smiled and gave Shao Qing a big hug.
"Is this Ms. Jing?" Director Hu had heard a little about Jing Ke and recognized her the moment they met.
"Director Hu, I'm Jing Ke." Jing Ke introduced herself briefly. "I'm here with Shao Qing for the shoot, and I'm also Director Li's supervisor, trying to get Shao Qing to finish the shoot within the allotted time."
"Haha, okay, your supervision is very welcome." Director Hu smiled, and his attitude towards Jing Ke was neither enthusiastic nor too cold.
After exchanging a few simple pleasantries with Jing Ke, Director Hu pulled Shao Qing over to discuss the play, breaking down the character settings and storyline directly into her mouth.
After seeing the two discussing the script, Jing Ke found a place to sit in the rest area with Shao Qing's assistant, just like when she was on the set of "Jianghu Road".
There is a big difference between watching the crew as a friend of the artist and watching the crew as an investor.
After Jing Ke sat down, no staff member came to greet her, and she was not given any share of the afternoon tea distributed by the crew.
But Jing Ke didn't care much about this. They came here temporarily and only needed to finish filming the scenes of the third female lead. There was no need to force herself to integrate into the crew.
But Jing Ke's indifference made her look like an easy target in the eyes of others, and the originally suppressed discussions gradually became louder.
Although the sound would not travel too far, it was loud enough for Jing Ke to hear clearly.
"I was wondering who would come, but it turned out to be Shao Qing. Shao Qing hasn't had any outstanding works in recent years, has he? Director Hu really likes to miss his old friends."
"She's got someone supporting her. I heard she has a wealthy sponsor behind her, and they're planning to take her away from Zongheng Entertainment and develop her at a new company."
"I don't think this is a good idea. The entertainment industry isn't something you can navigate simply by having money. Which celebrity doesn't have a company backing them? Even if the company owner is interested in her, the most he can do is offer her some third-rate scripts."
"Indeed, in terms of fashion resources, Zongheng Entertainment should be much better than the new company. Some endorsements can't be obtained by just spending money, it depends on the status of the celebrity."
"If you ask me, Shao Qing is going to be in trouble. Director Hu went against everyone's opinion and gave the role to her directly, but this made someone with connections unhappy. I heard that he has already gone to find someone with backing to support him."
"Sometimes, spending money can solve certain problems in the circle, but there is also a saying that goes, 'People should not fight against officials.' If you offend certain people, you might go from being rich to being poor."
"I don't know how many entertainment companies go bankrupt and undergo restructuring every year. They're not real businesses that will impact the local economy, so they can't compete with those people."
At first, Jing Ke thought that these people were jealous of Shao Qing for getting this opportunity, so they were venting their dissatisfaction here in a sarcastic manner.
But as Jing Ke listened, he realized something was wrong. Were they trying to attack him by talking about him?
They all seem to know that they are the boss of Xinsheng Entertainment and that they have invested a lot of money in the industry?
Jing Ke narrowed his eyes slightly, glanced calmly at the assistant beside him who looked as if he had heard nothing, and then looked away.
It seems that those who spoke up have powerful backers behind them, so they look down on me, a small investor in the entertainment industry.
Just when Jing Ke was wondering why they were so confident, the man who had some background in their discussion appeared on the set, followed by Director Zhang, the chief director of this tribute film.
"Director Zhang, why are you here?" After seeing who it was, Director Hu quickly came over to greet him with a smile on his face.
Director Hu’s achievements in the circle are not low, but he is still a little bit inferior to Director Zhang, who can be regarded as a senior director. He is much shorter in terms of seniority alone.
"Nothing, I just heard that your previous third female lead had problems, so I wanted to see if you have found a successor." Director Zhang said with a smile.
"If not, I'll recommend someone to you. I think Xiao Yao is very suitable for the role. He just needs to play himself." Director Zhang of course knew that the person Director Hu had in mind was Shao Qing.
But so what? His old friend had already come to him, so he couldn't just sit back and watch. As for Shao Qing, at worst, he could help her find a second female lead in a big production as compensation.
"Thank you, Director Zhang, for your concern. I've already chosen someone. Shao Qing is the young lady I have in mind," Director Hu said, pushing back in a measured way. "As for Xiao Yao, it seems we'll have to look for opportunities for cooperation next time."
"Shao Qing?" Director Zhang raised his eyelids and casually shifted his gaze to look at Shao Qing.
"Hello, Director Zhang, I'm Shao Qing, an actor." Out of respect for the senior people in the industry, Shao Qing stepped forward and introduced himself.
Director Zhang simply nodded and quickly looked away. "Director Hu, I think Xiao Yao is more suitable for this role. She's from Beijing, and her parents are similar to the third female lead. What do you think?"
Director Zhang's words seemed to be a question, but they contained a strong sense of irresistibility.
"I'm sorry, I trust my personal judgment more." Director Hu's expression became serious. She had already let Shao Qing down once. How could she let him down again after Shao Qing took leave and rushed over specially?
"Director Zhang, Shao Qing is an artist who has been praised by official media. I think she is the more suitable person." Director Hu said, indirectly expressing his determination.
Director Hu actually knew Xiao Yao's background. She was a young member of a big family in Beijing and came to the entertainment industry purely for fun.
It is true that Xiao Yao has a strong background, but her acting skills are completely contrary to her background. Isn’t the term "acting in her true self" just a euphemism for poor acting skills?
If Xiao Yao were really brought in, the final performance of this unit drama would be at least 30% off, and it might even lower the level of the entire tribute film.
"Really?" Director Zhang's smile faded, and he addressed her differently. "Xiao Hu, if I remember correctly, you've taken my class before? Do you think you're better at selecting students than a teacher like me?"
As a representative of the conservative school, Director Zhang attaches great importance to rules.
In Director Zhang's opinion, when a junior like Director Hu makes a clear request, he should choose to obey, instead of being stubborn and even going against his senior.
Furthermore, Director Zhang actually looks down on female directors in his heart. He always feels that they can only shoot some love-themed things and are not qualified to be responsible for the unit drama of the tribute film.
This is clearly an attempt to use seniority to pressure others. If Director Hu refutes it again, the blame of disrespecting seniors will definitely be put on her.
"Xiao Hu, I remember that the director-in-chief should have the right to recommend roles, right?" After seeing Director Hu remain silent, a smile reappeared on Director Zhang's face.
"Shao Qing, right? I'm so sorry. We haven't reached a consensus internally, so you've made this trip in vain. Please leave me your contact information later. If there's a suitable script later, I'll let you know."
Director Zhang said that it seemed like he was giving Shao Qing compensation, but his attitude really made people uncomfortable, as if giving this resource was a charity to Shao Qing.
"Director Zhang, the chief director does have the right to recommend roles, but the final decision still lies with me, the director in charge of the unit drama. I'm sorry, I think Shao Qing is more suitable." Director Hu is not made of clay, and she also has a temper.
"If Director Zhang is not satisfied with my decision, you can consider changing another director and script," Director Hu said with a hint of determination in his tone.
It is already early April, and the tribute film will be released on National Day. If the director of the unit drama is dismissed at this time, the tribute film may be cut short.
Director Hu is gambling that Director Zhang won't dare to replace him.
After hearing Director Hu's words, Director Zhang's face turned completely dark.
What does this mean? Is this female director threatening me? If I don't agree to let Shao Qing play the role, I will quit.
"Shao Qing, are you sure you want to play this role? If you are willing to give up, I won't let you make this trip in vain." No matter how proud Director Zhang is of his status, he cannot afford the responsibility of delaying the release of the tribute film.
So Director Zhang chose to coerce and bribe Shao Qing: "Think it over before you answer. Give the role of the third female lead to someone more important. I can keep an eye out for the second female lead in a big production for you."
Director Zhang's influence in the circle is not much different from Director Hua's before he was imprisoned. He can basically call over the best actor and actress with just a word.
So after Director Zhang said these words, Director Hu couldn't help but feel nervous and conflicted. He was worried that Shao Qing would give up under the pressure, but he was also worried that if Shao Qing didn't give up, Director Zhang would hold a grudge against her and spread rumors in the industry that she would be banned.
"Director Zhang, I have some confidence in my acting skills. It is not difficult for me to play the role of a young lady, so I want to give it a try." Shao Qing used words as tactfully as possible, but the meaning he expressed was very clear.
Shao Qing wanted this role, and she was confident that she could play it well.
"Uncle Zhang." Xiao Yao, who has a strong background, couldn't help but tug at Director Zhang's sleeve. "Does it mean I can't play this role anymore? The director doesn't seem to welcome me."
Director Zhang's face darkened, but after Director Hu threatened to quit, he couldn't continue to put pressure on her, so he could only choose to continue to put pressure on Shao Qing, who was easy to bully.
"Have you thought it through? You want this role, not the second female lead in a big production?" Director Zhang said louder. "I always give people only one chance. If you don't seize it, there will be no chance for us to work together in the future."
"Then there isn't one. A director with such a bad eye for selecting people probably can't make any good works." Jing Ke, who had just finished a phone call, couldn't help but walk over and stood in front of Director Zhang and Shao Qing.
"Who are you?" Director Zhang frowned. When he realized Jing Ke was taller than him and was also of mixed race, his tone became even worse. "How is our set managed? How can anyone come in? We don't welcome outsiders here."
"I'm just an ordinary person," Jing Ke said. "Regarding the question of who gets to decide on the third female role, I've just called the relevant agency. The deputy director gave me a very clear answer: the director directly in charge has more say."
Jing Ke's tone was calm, but the words he said were like depth charges.
"What did you say?" Director Zhang suspected that he had heard it wrong, and also suspected that Jing Ke was bragging.
The only agency directly responsible for the entertainment industry is the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television, right? And he even called the deputy director directly? Is this guy just bragging without thinking?
He didn't say that he knew all the second and third generations in the Beijing circle, but he had heard of the younger generation who could directly contact the deputy director.
"Do you want me to call her again?" Jing Ke asked. "The deputy director should still be at get off work. She shouldn't mind taking another call."
After realizing that something was wrong, Jing Ke started thinking about how to deal with Director Zhang efficiently.
Those people were right. With only an entertainment company and some small investments, I cannot compare to some people with colorful backgrounds in terms of power and status.
But Jing Ke is not just a wealthy entertainment investor, she also possesses superb hacking skills. Not only has she spoken with provincial officials many times, she has also helped them complete a huge case.
If Jing Ke can directly hack into the computers of provincial-level officials, then she can also hack into certain foreign databases with higher defense levels and certain confidential websites.
Jing Ke, who worked diligently as an assistant on the crew, did not really deal with the company's affairs, but she did complete the small tasks entrusted to her by certain government agencies conscientiously.
As Jing Ke provided more and more top-secret information, the authorities paid more attention to Jing Ke. Not only Jing Ke himself, but also Shao Qing and Grandma Shao's confidentiality level was increased rapidly.
Jing Ke has no intention of entering politics, nor does she need any overt recognition or rewards. She only asks the authorities to give the green light to the film and television works produced by her company.
In order to win over this talent who absolutely must not turn to foreign countries, the authorities generously gave her the contact information of a senior official in the General Administration.
Look, the contact information that Jing Ke thought was useless actually played a very clever role in today's special occasion.
After hearing Jing Ke's words, Director Zhang's expression became even uglier. He lowered his head to look at Xiao Yao who was pulling his sleeve, and then looked at the people around him who seemed to be busy but were secretly listening.
To be honest, Director Zhang did not expect Director Hu to reject his proposal so harshly, nor did he expect that Shao Qing, an ordinary actor, would dare to offend him. He never thought that there might be a big Buddha behind Shao Qing, who seemed to have no backing.
Director Zhang thought he was very authoritative in the circle. He only needed to spread the word, not only to ban Shao Qing, but even to ban Director Hu.
But what kind of person is the Deputy Director of the General Administration? He's at the top of the food chain. Even if they hold you up for a review, it's enough to make you feel miserable for a long time.
So Director Zhang didn't dare to gamble, he couldn't afford to lose. If he really offended the people above him, no matter how much influence he had in the circle, it would be useless.
"Forget it, since you have your own opinion, Xiao Hu, then let's do as you say." After weighing the pros and cons, Director Zhang chose to give in. "The eldest lady will have a companion, too. You can add a character and let Xiao Yao appear as well."
Director Zhang thought he had already made a lot of concessions, and if Director Hu didn't want to directly break up with him, he would probably agree to such a request.
His guess was correct. Director Hu, who was worried that Shao Qing would be implicated, also planned to go down the stairs and reluctantly reach a settlement.
But before Director Hu spoke, Jing Ke laughed out loud.
"Did I not make it clear just now? The one who should decide on the actors and the plot should be the director directly in charge, not you who is just the nominal director." Jing Ke is not a generous person, she holds grudges.
Jing Ke saw how aggressive Director Zhang was towards Shao Qing just now. She had already made the call, so how could she let Director Zhang continue to bully Shao Qing at this time?
Want to add a role to squeeze in someone else? Dream on. It's hard to say whether he can keep this position as the director who is just a figurehead but does nothing to show his abilities.
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