The next day, at the hotel where Zhang Ze was staying, Fang Yang rented a large conference room as the venue for the audition. Since there were not many people auditioning, only two actresses and a few pirate leaders, the auditions were completed in one morning. After a conversation with the actors who had signed contracts, a meeting was held at noon for the entire cast and crew.
The auditorium was set up with more than a dozen tables, even though many staff members were not present. Otherwise, it would have required several more tables. "Everyone, today is the first meeting of our 'Operation Red Sea' crew. Whether you know each other or not, we will be sharing meals and hardships together for the next six months, going through an unforgettable period together."
"Operation Red Sea is a 3D military film jointly invested by Yuewen Entertainment Media and Kyoto Film & Television with an investment of 600 million yuan and cooperating with the Central Military Commission. The scale of the scenes and the realism of the scenes are rare in the film industry in recent years. Of course, the harsh filming environment is also true. Here, I would like to express my special thanks to everyone who joined this big family despite the difficulties and dangers. I am proud of you all!"
The entire hall erupted in applause for Fang Yang's speech; the applause from over a hundred people nearly broke the roof.
"As the saying goes, you reap what you sow. Although this filming will face some dangers, the company has taken the best possible precautions to ensure everyone's safety. Once the filming is completed, I believe the results will satisfy everyone. Also, tomorrow morning, some actors will enter the military camp for a two-week military training. I hope that once you arrive at the military base, you will follow the instructors' guidance, quickly adapt to your roles, and strive to achieve a transformative change in these two weeks, both for the perfect performance in the film and for a perfect answer to your own experiences."
Despite the struggles, most people still held onto hope. Once the movie was released, with the government backing it, the box office was guaranteed, and the fame and fortune that followed were a given. But even though Tang Qiang had clearly explained the risks in the contract and even bought insurance for everyone, the fear was that they might have the money but not the chance to enjoy it. After all, everyone only has one life!
Fang Yang calmly observed everyone's expressions. "If anyone doesn't want to go, there's still a chance. After this meal, you can go find Director Tang or me. I will terminate your contract and won't hold you responsible. But after today, if anyone tries to quit halfway through, I will make sure you can never establish yourself in this industry again, no matter where I complain."
Seeing everyone's solemn expressions, Fang Yang didn't continue. He raised his glass and said, "I won't say anything more. Tomorrow, more than thirty people will be heading to the army for training. Today, we're here to get to know each other and also to bid them farewell, wishing them a successful mission and a safe return."
The entire hall of over a hundred people stood up in a rush. Although the previous topic was a bit heavy, those of them who had never been to Rwanda only had imaginations about all the dangers. No matter how dangerous others described it, before they had experienced it themselves, everything else was just imagination, and they didn't have much feeling about it.
On the contrary, everyone can imagine the prospects of this movie. Being able to put your name on the back of the movie is not only a qualification, but also a guarantee of a bright future!
To be honest, this group of over a hundred people was divided into two factions. One faction consisted of Yuewen Entertainment Media, which occupied only one table, while the other was a large contingent of over a hundred people from Kyoto Film and Television. This setup was somewhat similar to when Fang Yang filmed his first TV series, "Twin Dragons of the Tang Dynasty," where, apart from Fang Yang, everyone else was a staff member and actor from Shanghai Television. Moreover, both sides were jointly funding the project.
Looking at the lively scene and recalling his past circumstances, Fang Yang felt as if he were in a dream. In the blink of an eye, he had been in this world for almost two years. The events of his previous life were like a dream, becoming increasingly blurry. He didn't know when he would completely forget them, or whether he would be able to recall some things in the quiet of the night.
Zhang Ze was most used to this. Prolific, with at least three works a year, Zhang Ze was often invited to banquets by investors. Such a scene was nothing to him. After Fang Yang finished his first glass, he poured a full glass as well. "President Fang, let me start by toasting you. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to play the male lead. To be honest, I've wanted to work with you for a long time, and today my wish has finally come true. Thank you for your kindness. I'll drink this, and you can drink as you like."
Fang Yang, snapping out of his daze and seeing Zhang Ze's sincere expression, smiled and said, "Brother Zhang, please don't be so polite. I've always admired your acting skills and your character. As for me, I pay special attention to character. If someone's character isn't up to par, no matter how good their acting is, I won't work with them. Why? Because nobody knows when they might explode. As investors, our investment of over a billion yuan would go down the drain, and it would also damage our public image. It would be a losing proposition."
"Mr. Fang is right. I do dislike those morally corrupt people, but being in the entertainment industry, a big cesspool, I sometimes have no choice but to follow suit. What can I do if I can't stand it? I can only help a little when appropriate, but an individual's power is ultimately limited. I can only stay away from it and not go along with it."
Zhang Ze downed the drink in one gulp, his expression not good. He seemed to be a man with a story to tell. However, having been in the entertainment industry for many years, Zhang Ze's experience and knowledge were far beyond what ordinary people had. When powerless to do anything about it, it was only natural for him to avoid it at all costs.
After clinking glasses with Zhang Ze, Tang Qiang raised his glass as well. "President Fang, our company has gone to great lengths to secure this cooperation opportunity. It's my good fortune to be able to cooperate with you, President Fang. May you be blessed in the future. A toast to you."
Fang Yang chuckled, "Director Tang, your toast is quite unique. It's the first time I've heard it like this. But being able to work together for a few months is not only your good fortune, but also mine. Let's toast to this good fortune and wish each other a safe and smooth collaboration."
Fang Hai and the others were at another table, so Fang Yang's table, apart from Zhang Ze, consisted of people from Kyoto Film and Television. After Tang Qiang offered a toast, the others followed suit and raised their glasses to Fang Yang. Fang Yang, however, dared not drink a glass like the two in front of him, and could only take a small sip. There were still more than ten tables and over a hundred people below. If he were to honestly finish his drink, even a heavy drinker would be impotent. Fang Yang did not want to make a fool of himself.
It is said that the best social interactions among Chinese people take place at the dinner table. After a round of drinks, Fang Yang had a general impression of everyone in the crew, big and small. He didn't know them all, but he recognized a few of the key people in charge.
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